Monday, July 04, 2011

Stampin' Up! Open House Samples

These are the samples we made at my pre-convention, mini open house.  Each person chose which of the new In-Colors for 2011-2013 they liked best and made a Fancy Favors Basket. They also made a card using all 5 of the new In-Colors.



The basket showcased 5 of the new catalog items, including the Ribbon Punch, the Delicate Doilies stamp set, two of shapes from the new Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die (notices that the Die doesn't just include the 3 Pennant shapes, it also includes two doily shapes), and, of course, the new In-color Textured cardstock.


Here's a close-up of the card.  The card includes all five of the new 2011-2013 In-Colors and uses the new Triple Layer Punch from the Summer Mini Catalog.  The sentiment is from the Swirls & Curls Verses Hostess set from the Summer mini, which you can download for free, here.  I also used three Rhinestone brads for a little extra bling and used the Mat Pack (105826) and Paper-Piercing Tool (116631) to create the line of holes across the top of the flowers.

As always, it was great seeing old friends and meeting new friends in a fun, crafty afternoon.  Sign up on my Meet-up site for an invitation to my post Stampin' Up! Convention open house.  Or for notification of upcoming classes.  Not from the Houston, TX area?  Sign up anyway, and let me know if you're intrested in a virtual Open House!  I'll have samples from convention swaps and lots of new tips for using your Stampin' Up! supplies for end-of-summer, and fall holiday projects. 

I've always waited until after Convention to do a new-catalog open house.  However, because Stampin' Up! gives demonstrators the opportunity to purchase a selection of new merchandise a month before the new catalog debuts, demonstrators have an opportunity to create samples so we are ready to share when the new catalogs arrive.  And the creative idea for the card we made at our open house?  Why, from the Stampin' Up! site, of course! I added my own spin by using the new Swirls and Curls Verses Hostess set from the Summer Mini catalog, and added rhinestone brads.  I love that Stampin' Up! makes it so easy to be a hobby demonstrator.  Or to earn extra money doing something fun.

Here are the new products for the new catalog showcased on the basket and cards:



Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (122464); Punched images in this punch layer beautifully with images in the Bold Blossom Set.




Perfect Pennants Bigz Die (123126).  I'm thrilled with the creative options this Bigz L Die provides.  The Bigz Dies are ideal for cutting thicker materials and multiple layers.  You will need the extended cutting pads to use this die with your Big Shot die cutting machine.



The Delicate Doilies Clear Mount Stamp (122592) includes fun new shapes that coordinate perfectly with our punches and Designer Series Papers.  This stamp set is available in wood mount, too, and is also available as a digital download.

The Large Lace Ribbon Border Punch (122362) can be used as a lace or vintage touch or cut out the flower designs and use separately.


If you're thinking about placing an order larger than $99 for new merchandise from the just-released Stampin' Up! Catalog and Idea Book, think about how much more you could purchase if you saved 20 percent on all your Stampin' Up! purchases.  Read about our $99 sign-up-and-save offer, now.  Offer good until the end of July. 

I'm here to answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy!






Donna Ross

Friday, July 01, 2011

$99 to Join Stampin' Up...and order your new catalog merchandise at a 20% discount

One of the greatest joys I have is being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  Coming from the Corporate environment where companies value loyalty and your personal time less and less, Stampin' Up! is truly unique.  It values families, friendships and truly cares about its independent demonstrators. I'm in awe of genuine caring and humbleness of the executives and staff members at Stampin' Up!.  And I love the demonstrator friends and customer friends I've made over my 6 years as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. That’s why I’m so excited to offer you the opportunity to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator during July for only $99!

Lean more about joining.  (Note:  Stampin' Up! site is being upgraded to the new 2011-2012 catalog and will be unavailable until noon Mountain Time July 1)



Whether you're a hobby stamper, or want to earn extra money, or you plan to start your own business, if you have 2 or more stamp sets you plan to order from the new Stampin' Up! catalog, joining Stampin' Up! for $99 is a great way to get a discount on all your Stampin' Up! products, with no obligation to sell. Or with the full support of Stampin' Up! to grow your entrepreneurial skills.  Stampin’ Up! has plans that work for both kinds of demonstrators. 

Which kind of demonstrator do you want to be?  I joined as a hobby demonstrator.  My neighbors saw my projects and what fun I was having and pushed me into showing them how to do it too. Stampin’ Up! provides free access to a community of 30,000+ crafters/ stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples so you are never at a loss for creative ideas. Demonstrators enjoy a 20 percent product discount. 

Join Stampin' Up! for $99 and you can get $185 in products and business supplies -- including new products from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  You’ll also be eligible for TWO FREE months of Demonstrator Business Web Services – including your own business website and Online Store, access to a blog, calendar, a monthly e-newsletter for your customers, project gallery, and e-cards – if you sign up within 21 days of becoming a demonstrator, making it easy to set up your new business and start earning.

We're about to start the most fun time of the year to make hand-made craft projects and gifts! The limited-time $99 Starter Kit is the perfect choice if you're a lover of Stampin' Up! products. Use this exclusive Starter Kit to get new products at a great value plus share the opportunity with your friends who want to get the products they love at a 20 percent discount to earn even more free merchandise for yourself. 

Plus, if you join in July you will get a Christmas Keepsake project kit absolutely FREE--a $40 value which includes a new stamp set, and a variety of die cuts, fabric, ribbons and trims! This exclusive kit contains everything you need to create a beautiful Christmas Keepsake Box to hold your most treasured Christmas memories. And we can make this great kit together, when you receive it in August. 

Take a look below at all you get in your starter kit -- plus you'll earn the Christmas Keepsake project! 



The $99 Starter Kit includes over $185 in products and business supplies--including new products from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! All items shown above are recommended, but a new demonstrator can substitute a similar item of equal or lesser value.

Or, you may still purchase either the standard OR Digital+ Starter Kits instead of the promotional $99 Starter Kit, which can also be personalized with alternative items.  For example:
  • An alternate stamp set of equal or lesser value.
  • An alternate color assortment of card stock of equal or lesser value
  •  Alternate colors of Classic Stampin' Pads of equal or lesser value.
You can also add the Stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, or My Digital Studio software Add-on to your $99 Starter Kit for the regular price.  View details for each kit, Add-ons and more about joining Stampin' Up! here.


Cake, Coffee and New Catalog
Another reminder:   For those of you in the Houston area, on Sunday, July 2, 2-5 pm, stop by my free mini open house for an opportunity to see sneak peek merchandise, samples and try the new dies and punches before placing your first order from the new catalog. 

If you are among the first ten to RSVP and then attend, you'll receive this fun tote from last year's Memento Mall merchandise available to demonstrators who attended Convention.  See details and RSVP here



One other item I know you'll want...a Wish List!.  You can download and print a blank Wish List here and get started adding all the items you must have from the new catalog.

Enjoy!






CLICK HERE to place an Order
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs
(Note:  Stampin' Up! site is being upgraded to the new 2011-2012 catalog and will be unavailable until noon Mountain Time July 1.  The new catalog is over 200+ pages.  Have patience when downloading.)

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Last few hours to say farewell ...before the launch of the new Stampin' Up! Catalog

As we're all busy preparing for the long 4th of July week end coming up, I wanted to take a minute to remind you that we're down to the final few hours to place an order for stamping and scrapbooking products you won't find in the new Stampin' Up! catalog, which debuts tomorrow, July 1 at noon.

Here are a couple more items I'm going to miss:


I love this versatile, Decorative Strip Die called, Join in The Cheer, (113452) Price:  $21.95  Sale Price:  $13.17.  But tonight is the Last Chance to purchase.


The long strip is perfectly suited for 12 X 12 scrapbook pages.  Or, cut the words apart, as I did to decorate the gift bag above.  This worked for so many occasions -- most of all Christmas and Valentine's Day.  I'm really going to miss this Die.

Tart & Tangy,  (111514) another of my favoite stamp sets is also retiring tonight.  Tart & Tangy workshops were some of my most popular.  Here are a few samples from those classes.



Don't miss this Last Chance to order this set, ribbons, and dies for your stamp collection before they disappear this evening..


Reminder:  Tomorrow the new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! catalog and Idea book goes on line at noon Moutain Time.  Check here, tomorrow, for links to the new catalog. The links to the old catalog retire at midnight tonight...so it truly is Your Last Chance!

Cake, Coffee and New Catalog
Also, on Sunday, July 2, 2-5, stop by my free mini open house for an opportunity to see sneak peek merchandise, samples and try the new dies and punches before placing your order from the new catalog. 

If you are among the 1st ten to RSVP and then attend, you'll receive this fun tote from last year's Memento Mall merchandise available to demonstrators who attended Convention.  See details and RSVP here



One other item I know you'll want...a Wish List!.  You can download and  print a blank Wish List here and get started adding all the items you must have from the new catalog.

Enjoy!







Donna Ross



Monday, June 27, 2011

Love Bug in My Digital Studio scrapbooking software

I was playing with My Digital Studio software earlier this evening and after dropping some photos from my family's Facebook pages into the quick templates in My Digital Studio software, I stumbled across a feature that lets me make an on-line album and add it as a slideshow to my blog. 

I stated with this great page and the rest of the pages just seemed to fall into place.

I'm curious to find out if  this slide show works.  Click on the replay button below.  Then, leave me a comment one way or the other.   If it does work, this would be a fast, easy way to quickly add tutorials for projeccts onto my website...a plus for both you and me!


Find more samples like this on My Digital Studio


I can't wait to get to Stampin' Up's! convention the middle of next month.  I'm registered for My Digital Studio software classes and I'm sure I'll return with even more ideas to share with you.  

You've been to scrapbooking conferences, so you know how much you love the inspirational ideas and the photos you take of all the wonderful samples you've seen.  I was just going through my photos from the last Stampin' Up! Convention and I was amazed to find over 1500 photos!  I have to remind myself that the samples and demos we see at the Stampin' Up! Convention are some of the most professional, creative ideas available in the paper crafting industry today.  Looking at them just once doesn't do justice to these photos packed with design ideas as well as business tips for turning your love of paper crafts into a business!  I can't wait to see what Stampin' Up! has in store for us this year.  Just 16 more days until Convention!

If you've thought about joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, now is a great time to join.  Excitement at the start of the new catalog year can help set you on the path to a wonderful new hobby or a rewarding career.  And Fall and  Winter are the best times of the year to be a demonstrator.  Watch a quick demo of some of the stamping techniques you can do with your Starter Kit once you sign up as a demonstrator.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits demonstrators enjoy, this link  tells you about the product discounts, extra income, flexible schedule and support from Stampin' Up! that you'll receive for joining.

And whather you join as a hobby demonsrtator to buy your Stampin' Up! products at a discount, or if your join to make Stampin' Up! your career, this link tells you how a demonstrator earns discounts, income, free stamps, commissions, cash and product bonuses, incentive trips and other awards.

Final few days before retiring stamps, papers, ribbons and embellishments from the current catalog are gone.  These items are listed on the Last Chance Lists.

Free new catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site.  My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs have arrived.  Want a free catalog?  Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 30 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1.  Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.  Or, visit my new catalog open house on Sunday, July 3.  Check out the details and RSVP here:

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or want to know more.

Enjoy!
 






Donna Ross

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Free New Catalog ... and Say goodbye to Simply Sent Sweet Hello card kit

One of my favorite items from the current Stampin' Up! catalog is the "almost finished" cards and envelopes that go together in minutes, ready for those last-minute requests from DH or (gasp) myself just before we step out the door.  Stampin' Up!  calls them Simply Sent Kits.  The Sweet Hello cards are printed, embossed and include embellishments and envelopes.  Add a sentiment suitable for your occasion and you've made a personal card in minutes when you're pressed for time. 




While the kit includes printed, embossed cards and pink adhesive-backed ribbon flowers with pearl centers, I added more embellishments using the butterflies from Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die and used a sentiment stamp from the Pretty Postage stamp set to finish my card. 

This is also a great kit if you are a new stamper wanting to try stamping for the first time.  You can select this kit and its matching sentiment stamp, Hello, You, 117118 - $9.95 that includes a "Hello, you" sentiment and "sweet friend" sentiment. and order a Baja Breeze stamp pad (111833 - $5.95) and begin stamping handmade cards for a total investment of under $30.00.

Card details:
Stamps:  Pretty Postage (Summer Mini)
Ink:  Baja Breeze
Paper:  Sweet Hello Simply Sent Kit (118710 - Last Chance list)
Accessories - Pink adhesive-backed ribbon flowers with pearl centers (part of the 1187110 Sweet Hello Simply Sent Kit),
Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Big Shot Die Cut Machine
 
Here's what the Sweet Hello Simply Sent Kit includes  (118710) - $11.95
 - 8 5-1/2 4-1/2 cards
 - Eight White 5-3/4 X 4-3/8 envelopes
 - Preprinted and embossed
 - 24 pink adhesive backed ribbon flowers with pearl centers

Free new catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site.  My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are also on order.  Want a free catalog?  Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 30 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1.  Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.

Final week to Say Goodbye -- to Night of Navy ribbons, if you love the classy look of Night of Navy ribbons, order now before all the sizes you need retire on June 30.  Night of Navy is available until sold out in 1/8 inch taffeta (119258), 1-1/4 inch striped grosgrain (119773) , 3/8 inch taffeta (120933) and 5/8 inch Satin ribbon (120932).

Final week to Say Goodbye -- to Early Espresso ribbons, if you love the look of Early Espresso with Bashful Blue or Pretty in Pink, order these three ribbons now before all the sizes you need retire on June 30.  Early Espresso is available until sold out in 1-1/4 inch striped grosgrain (119961) , 3/8 inch taffeta (119964) and 5/8 inch Satin ribbon (119753).




Final week to Say Goodbye -- to 5/8" grosgrain ribbons.  If you love our 5/8" grosgrain ribbons, you'll want to stock up before they are gone.  You won't find them in the new catalog.  Although there will be plenty of existing ribbons and several exciting, new ribbon styles in the new catalog, I'll miss these ribbons.  Check the Last-Chance Accessories list for all ribbons.

 You can access the Last-Chance Lists Here. 
Last-chance Wood-Mount Stamps
Last-chance Clear-Mount Stamps
Last-chance stamps .pdf list
Last-chance Accessories - good until gone
Shop all Discounted Last Chance Products (Discount applied at checkout)







Donna Ross

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Saying Goodbye...to more Stampin' Up! Last Chance products

For today's card, I stamped the flower images three times and hand cut the layers and added dimensionals between each layer.  This is where you need a good pair of scissors.  I use the Stampin' Up! Paper Snips whenever I'm cutting intricate paper images.  This card uses the Fabulous Florets stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog, and one of the sentiments from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set. 



This card shows one of my favorite styles.  Simple layers.  It goes together quickly, yet it is a card you can be proud to give a family member or a professional acquaintance.  I'm including it in the Signature Style Pals Paper Arts Challenge PPA97 weekly contest.

Here is a closer look at the flower layers.  I added a layer of Dimensionals between each of the three layers.


Here's what I used.

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets (Summer Mini), Fabulous Phrases
Paper:  Whisper White
Ink:  Black Staz-on
Accessories:  Large Oval punch, Oval punch, Mat pack, paper-piercing tool, dimensionals, Paper Snips

One of the things I love about Stampin' Up! products are the variety of punches offered.  I'm a fan of layers.  I love to layer sentiments and images.  Stampin' Up! makes it easy because of the many different size punches that layer together.  However, to make room for "new", sometimes you need to push out the old.

One punch on the Last Chance list retiring at the end of June, is the 1-3/8 X 5/8" Oval Punch -- the smallest of the Oval Punches.  I've used it for the sentiment on this card.  However, supplies are already depleted for this accessory on the Last Chance list. The good news is that  a new, more elongated oval punch was introduced in last year's Stampin' Up Idea book and catalog and is available for purchase now. 
Here's where you can see the new small oval punch; available now.


120908 - 3/4 X 15/16 in Oval Punch - US $10.95

T
 
Check out all of the Last Chance Accessories and Last Chance stamp sets, some  up to 40% off! But check it today.  Items on the accessories list are going fast.  when they are gone, they are gone.

Earn a free catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site.  My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are also on order.  Want a free catalog?  Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 24 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1.  Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.

A last reminder, Say Goodbye -- to 5/8" grosgrain ribbonsIf you love our 5/8" grosgrain ribbons, you'll want to stock up before they are gone.  You won't find them in the new catalog.  Although there will be plenty of existing ribbons and several exciting, new ribbon styles in the new catalog, I'll miss these ribbons.  Check the Last-Chance Accessories list for all ribbons. 

You can access the Last-Chance Lists Here. 
Lists included:Last-chance Wood-Mount Stamps
Last-chance Clear-Mount Stamps
Last-chance stamps .pdf list
Last-chance Accessories
Last-chace Definitely Decorative
Last-Chance Definitely Decorative .pdf list




Donna Ross, Sr. Supervisor

Sunday, June 05, 2011

More Stampin' Up! sneak peeks - Delicate Doilies and dots

I'm having fun with new sneak peek stamps that wll be available in the July 1 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog.  Here a quick card using Delicate Doilies.  Scroll down to see another version with a bit more bling.  Also, take a look at the new In Colors in a post from earlier today.

This new set will be available in the new 2011-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and catalog available July 1.

I used:

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies
Papers:  Crumb Cake, Neutrals Pattern Designer Series Paper Stack (love these 40-sheet, 12 X 12 paper stacks)
Ink:  Soft Suede
Accessories:  Crumb Cake Seam Binding




This is a stepped up version with just a little bling added.  So little adds a lot, in my opinion.  Looks better in real life.

For this stepped-up version I used:

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies
Papers:  Crumb Cake, Neutrals Pattern Designer Series Paper Stack (love this 40-sheet, 12 X 12 paper stacks)
Ink:  Soft Suede
Accessories:  Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Basic Pearls

Here are the two versions together.  I think either make an outstanding card.  Which is your favorite?


Earn a free catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site.  My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are on order.  Want a free catalog?  Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 24 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1.  Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.  You'll want to take a look at the last-chance lists to grab your favorites before they are gone.  The Accessories list has lots of ribbons--including 5/8" grosgrain ribbons, which I use on everything!  The Accessories list is updated daily, so be sure to check it before you place your order.

You can access the Last-Chance Lists Here. 
Lists included:
Last-chance Wood-Mount Stamps
Last-chance Clear-Mount Stamps
Last-chance stamps .pdf list
Last-chance Accessories
Last-chance Definitely Decorative
Last-chance Definitely Decorative .pdf list

Well, off to play with more of the sneak peek items available July 1.

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek.

 Donna Ross
Donna Ross, Sr. Supervisor

New 2011-2013 Stampin' Up! In Colors

Mr. Brown made his stop at my home Friday, late afternoon, so I've had a chance to play with my Sneak Peek items all day Saturday! Such a joyful time of the year to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator...and another reason to think about joining Stampin' up! -- an early look at all the new merchandise in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog scheduled for release July 1.


Stampin' Up! is introducing 5 fresh, new In Colors -- annual colors which keep the 48 permanent colors up to date.  Here are the 5 new, In Colors this year.  I used them on these cute fancy favor boxes.  In addition, I also use the new Delicate Doilies stamp set, the Lace Ribbon punch, and the Sizzix Perfect Pennants Bigz XL Die.  I have been wishing and hoping for a round version of the Scallop Trim Border punch and matching corner punch introduced last year.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this new die.  It was first package I opened in my Sneak Peek order. The new die includes 3 pennant sizes and two doily sizes.  I layered both doily sizes together with double layers of Dimensions in between.  I ran three colors through  my Big Shot at a time -- which worked just fine.  I did have a couple of "chads" that stuck in the doily shapes, but they came right out when I poked them with a stylus.

I used some of our existing colors so you could see how well the new colors work with what you probably already have.   

Here's what I used:

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies (available July 1)
Papers:  Available July 1 - Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder.  Available now - Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz, Concord Crush
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder.
Accessories:  Sizzix Fancy Favors Die, Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die, Big Shot, Lace Ribbon punch, Dimensionals, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Red Sticky Strip.

Calypso Coral


This favor basket uses the new Calypso Coral and the accent color is Poppy Parade.

Island Indigo


This favor basket uses the new Island Indigo, and the accent color is the new Pool Party.

Lucky Limeade


This favor basket uses the new Lucky Limeade, and the accent color is Pear Pizzaz.  The new In Color cards suggested Always Artichoke.  Looking at the photos on line, I think a darker shade, like Always Artichoke, would have been better than Pear Pizzaz.

Pool Party

This favor basket uses the new Pool Party, and the accent color is Island Indigo, another new In Color.

Wisteria Wonder


This favor basket uses the new Wisteria Wonder, and the accent color is Concord Crush.

Earn a free catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site.  My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are also on order.  Want a free catalog?  Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 24 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1.  Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.

Say Goodbye -- to 5/8" grosgrain ribbons
If you love our 5/8" grosgrain ribbons, you'll want to stock up before they are gone.  You won't find them in the new catalog.  Although there will be plenty of existing ribbons and several exciting, new ribbon styles in the new catalog, I'll miss these ribbons.  Check the Last-Chance Accessories list for all ribbons. 

You can access the Last-Chance Lists Here. 
Lists included:
Last-chance Wood-Mount Stamps
Last-chance Clear-Mount Stamps
Last-chance stamps .pdf list
Last-chance Accessories
Last-chace Definitely Decorative
Last-Chance Definitely Decorative .pdf list


Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek.




Donna Ross, Sr. Supervisor