Grab Bags

Stampin' Up announced yesterday that while supplies last, they are selling grab bags. Here's the scoop:

Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you and your customers will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $5, the $10, and the $15 grab bag. Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools.

Please keep the following in mind:

• There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.
• There is no limit to the number of grab bags a customer may purchase; however, grab bag items are only available while supplies last. 
• All grab bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.
• Not all grab bags will be unique.
• You should use the following item numbers when ordering grab bags:

Item	Description
125873	$5 Grab Bag (containing at least $20 worth of products!)
125874	$10 Grab Bag (containing at least $40 worth of products!)
125875	$15 Grab Bag (containing at least $60 worth of products!)

If you want to take advantage of these grab bags, go to my Demonstrator Website at http://www.dorotheashields.stampinup.net/

Happy Stamping and shopping!

Birthday Friday 2

Here we have another round of birthday cards and gift card holders.

I had a request for a gift card holder class. I am putting that together - I have three designs so far and we'll see what else I find before the class. I haven't scheduled it yet, but will get it on the calendar soon.

Here is a birthday card:

I am loving the Fun Flowers Die in the Occassions Mini Catalog (it is available until April 30, and if you remember, these are the flowers David gave me for Valentine's Day - they are still living and going strong!). I used Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Melon Mambo card stock, Polka Dots embossing folder w/Big Shot, Melon Mambo pom pom trim (also in Occassions mini), Something to Celebrate Hostess stamp set, Slice of Life Hostess Stamp set (both from the occassions mini), Basic Black Ink, Sale-A-Bration Daffodil Delight bitty button, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write markers.

Here is the new design of gift card holder. I got the physical design from another demonstrator's website, but I put the outside together (based on several other things I've seen around). Anyway, this card holder uses a medium white envelope - it is very clever!

I made this card holder with Rich Razzelberry, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, and Pretty in Pink cardstock, I used the Sale-A-Bration Designer Series Paper, 2-way glue stick, dazzling diamonds glitter, modern label punch, rhinestones, and a medium white envelope. I also used the polka dots embossing folder w/Big shot and the blossoms punch (in occassions mini).

Stamp A Stack Class Cards 1

Last night I had some ladies over for the Stamp A Stack class. We had four card designs and made three cards of each one. Whew! We were busy. It was hard to get the "one" card mentality out - I kept passing out one of everything, but really it was three. I cut a set for myself and even got to sit down with the group and make cards too. That's part of why I do this job. I like to make cards and visit with my friends. Thanks to all the ladies who came!

Here are the cards we made. Keep in mind, we all ended up with 12 cards (and envelopes)!

We used Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, and Whisper White card stock, Melon Mambo Ink, and several Sale-A-Bration items: Punch Bunch and So Happy for You Stamp Sets, and the Daffodil Delight bitty button. We used the 1 1/4" and 1" circle punches.

Here we used the Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, and Very Vanilla card stock, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Soft Suede Ink, sponges, Elegant Lines Embossing folder with Big Shot, and Perfect Punches stamp set.

I thought this was a nice masculine birthday card. It is made with Garden Green, Very Vanilla, and Early Espresso card stock, Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, silver brads, Garden Green ink, Square Lattice Embossing Folder w/Big Shot, the Decorative Label punch, and Afterthoughts Level 1 Hostess stamp set.

This is my favorite out of the group. We used Whisper White, So Saffron, and Early Espresso card stock, Square Lattice Embossing Folder w/Big Shot, 1 1/4" circle punch, Fancy Flower punch, Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Early Espresso Ink, and Many Thanks Stamp Set (I got as a Sale-A-Bration item).

Sale-A-Bration is winding down, but it isn't too late to take advantage! Just $50 in product order gets you one FREE Sale-A-Bration set. There are so many to choose from - there is something for everyone.

I started planning April's card class today. We are focusing on flowers and Mother's Day. I am taking reservations, so let me know if you plan to attend.

Also, if you plan to attend the Simply Adorned class, I need your RSVP and $40 by April 6.

March Hostess Gifts in Springtime Vintage

These cards I CASEd from my upline demonstrator, Linda Barnes. I loved them the moment I saw them and had to copy. I'm giving a set of four cards and four envelopes to all my March hostesses. It's not too late to get in on the deal!

I used Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Not Quite Navy Card Stock, Springtime Vintage Designer Paper, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Not Quite Navy Classic Stamp Pad, Scallop Punch, Circle Punch, Big Shot and Embossing Folder.

I used the Bliss medallion stamp for the envelopes in Not Quite Navy Ink.

I made this variation of the card for a bridal shower I am going to on Saturday. I used the heart punch, the modern label punch, teeny tiny wishes stamp set, and pearls.

Let me know if you have questions!

March Card Class

My card class this past Saturday was a blast. I had eleven ladies at two tables and stuff all over the place. I ran up and down the stairs I don't know how many times to get this or to get that. I was thankful to have a trial run at home before I take these cards to my private card classes at hostesses homes. I did forget a few little things here and there.

Here are a few of my favorite cards. I haven't taken a picture of the grouping because they are still in boxes on my stairs. I wasn't going to take them out since I still have two classes to go this month. These are the ones I like the best:

Ok, well, this first picture is actually of my boxes all lined up as I was preparing...

The bird card and the next card, the butterfly, both use the bliss medallion stamp. I have to say, I am going to miss that stamp. I just love it! It looks great on everything. I used it on three of the cards we made on Saturday but they were all different and it adds so much.

I liked all the cards, except one, but all for different reasons. This is a different style and it uses the Apple Blossoms set, which is a Hostess Level 2 set. You can get it for free when your workshop reaches $300. There is still time in March to host a workshop and get a Sale-A-Bration set when your workshop reaches $300 plus you get $35 in free merchandise of your choice as well. It really pays to be a hostess.

As I get away from doing office work tomorrow, I will take pictures of the other cards and post.

I also have two classes coming up soon and I am taking RSVPs: Stamp-A-Stack (12 cards and envelopes, 3 cards each of 4 designs, $20 class fee or free with $40 product order), it is on Wednesday, March 23. The Simply Adorned class is also coming up. I need to place the order for the necklace and charm by April 6, so I will need payment by then, if you plan to attend. I already have several ladies signed up and paid! The class is on Wednesday, April 20 and is $40 (chain, charm, tax, shipping, and $2 class fee).

Let me know, if you plan to come to any classes. Hope to see you soon.

Also, I'd love to get some more workshops on my calendar. The hostess benefits are great and I'd enjoy helping you get free Stampin' Up! products. Plus, it's a wonderful way to get together with friends and have fun.

Friday Is For Birthday Parties

Here lately it seems that if it is Friday, there is a birthday party to attend. I also made all my March birthday cards. Here are some samples:

I made this gift card holder for a party my son attended. I used Daffodil Delight Card Stock, the Ice Cream Parlor Designer Paper (free Sale-a-bration item!), ice cream parlor ribbon (also a free Sale-a-bration item), glimmer brads, Mambo Melon Ink, Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set, 1" circle punch, window punch. I also used the Bigz L Fun Flowers Die (the "flowers" my husband gave me for Valentine's Day!)

I love this card! It is so beautiful to me and I truly had joy while making it (sounds weird, I know, but true!). I adapted it from a card I saw somewhere else. I used Marina Mist, Early Espresso, and Vanilla Card Stock, Marina Mist and Early Espresso Ink, Bliss Stamp Set, Something to Celebrate Hostess Stamp Set, Linen Thread, Vanilla Rosettes, Rhinestones, Marina Mist stripped ribbon, scallop edge punch.

If you see a project you like and want more information, let me know.

It isn't too late to get Sale-A-Bration items!!! With just a $50 product purchase, you can choose a Sale-A-Bration item for FREE! This promotion continues until March 31.

Perpetual Birthday Calendar

I am now taking RSVPs for the Perpetual Birthday Calendar Class on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at my house. The class fee (which covers supply costs and my time to put it all together) is $12.50. This includes the clipboard! The class fee is waived with a minimum catalog order of $25.

I am also taking RSVPs for my next card class on Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m., also at my house. The card class fee is $12 or free with a minimum catalog order of $24. Like last time, there are some really cute and pretty cards planned for class. I know a few people who were sad they couldn't make it the last time, especially after they saw the cards we made.

Here are the pictures of the perpetual birthday calendar...we will be using different paper for class, though, but still very pretty!

Not sure what a perpetual birthday calendar is? Well, it is a monthly calendar with the dates (as you can see). Since it doesn't have the day of the week (which is what changes year to year), you just put the names of people on their birth dates. Then, you use it year to year. For example, you have a friend who's birthday is April 24. You put her name on April 24 and every year you are reminded of her birth date.

Hope you can make it to class! Let me know.

Punch Bunch Happy Birthday Box and Card

First, I have to say I am sooooo disappointed that I didn't take pictures from my Domino Class last night. I had three ladies come over and they each made five dominos. They had a great time and they came up with some great designs. Oh, how I wish I'd remembered to take pictures!!! I told them they make me look boring. There is just something therapeutic about swirling color around and stamping images onto things.

OK, here is a set I've worked on this week. I designed the card but CASEd (copy and share everything) the little box. I made this card for a birthday party my son is going to. I always worry that I've made it a little "unmasculine" though I really try not to. I asked him if it was o.k. He replied yes, but could I add a guy with an air soft gun blowing up the card. Ha ha, does that mean yes it is o.k. or no, not really?

I used Pacific Point Card Stock, Early Espresso Card Stock for cupcake base (and ran it through the paper crimper), Sale-a-bration DSP, Daffodil Delight Card Stock for cupcake sprinkles and candle flames, Pear Pizzaz Card Stock for candles, Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits for Big Shot, and Whisper White satin ribbon.

For this little box I used Pacific Point Card Stock, Pacific Point Ink, Sale-a-bration DSP and Punch Bunch Stamp Set, and Whisper White Card Stock (mixed with Pacific Point for shredded paper in the box).

Here's another way I used the Big Bold Cupcakes for a birthday party my son went to. This time it was for a girl and I wasn't too concerned about the masculinity factor ;-)

For this one (which was the first time I used the dies) I used the Top Note Die, the Big Bold Cupcakes Dies, Early Espresso Card Stock for the cupcake base, Whisper White Card Stock for the frosting, 2 way glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Curly Label Punch, Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set with Early Espresso Ink, and Sunny Garden DSP. I could'a jazzed it up a bit, but I was just figuring out what it could do.

My next class is the Perpetual Calendar Class. It is really nice. I will be posting pictures in the next day or two and taking RSVPs for the class. You don't want to miss it.

It isn't too late for Sale-a-bration either! One more month left. If you didn't get to a workshop yet or place your $50 or more order, you still have some time. Stampin' Up is offering great gifts with purchase! Check out my website or contact me.

First Card Class

I held my first card class this past Saturday. I had three ladies come and we had a great time! I did hear one say, "I could sit and do this every Saturday." It is great to be able to get out of the house, away from kids (for just a little while), and do something fun and creative. Here're some pictures from Saturday.

Rene, Daphnie, and Peggy

These are the cards we made. Next month we'll make 8 different cards.

The next card class is Saturday, March 12. Mark your calendar and reserve your spot ASAP. I only have eight spots available!

My next scheduled class is the Domino Craft Project. It is THIS Wednesday. If you want to come, I need to know today!

These are some I use as refrigerator magnets. I made them before Christmas and before I became a SU demonstrator, so the stamps are not SU, but it's the same idea!

I'll be posting more this week about the Perpetual Calendar Class. The SU group I'm in just made them Saturday night. They are really nice. Can't wait to share!

Have questions? Let me know.

Have a great day!

PPA81 Sketch Challenge

This is the card I originally made from the sketch. But I wasn't very happy with it so I turned some things around and did it another way and I liked it better. Unfortunately, the uploader doesn't seem to like it because it won't upload going the right direction. So, below is a picture of the two cards together. Oh, well. That's just the way it is with paper crafts...always having to improvise. ;-)

For these cards I used Whisper White, Concord Crush, and Pear Pizzaz card stock, Concord Crush Ink Pad, Corcord Crush DSP (this is a hostess level 1 gift), Scallop punches, 1" circle punch, Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon and button (the button is from a Sale-A-Bration set that I got for free), and the greeting is a stamp from the Sale-A-Bration set called So Happy For You. I also used the Petals-A-Plenty embossing folder with the Big Shot.

Here's the sketch:



So which one do you like? Tell me why. I have my reasons but I'd like to hear what's on your mind. I also came up with another little idea for this sketch. Maybe I'll work on it later - I have way too much to do right now.

Sale-A-Bration is still going on and it's not too late to get FREE stamps! The offer is unlimited. Let me know what you'd like to order and I'll get it in or you can order straight from my website and choose your Sale-A-Bration item there too.

Questions? Let me know!

Dorothea

Classes Coming Up

I would guess that you are a lot like me...B.U.S.Y.

 

I am planning classes and some of them are coming up really quick. Let me know if you plan to come.

 

Card Classes:

 

Saturday, February 19 from 10-12 - $12 or FREE with $24 catalog product purchase – 8 cards. Please RSVP by Thursday, February 17 so I can have all your supplies ready.

 

Saturday, March 12 from 10-12- $12 or Free with $24 catalog product purchase – 8 cards. RSVP by Saturday, March 5.

 

Wednesday, April 6 from 7-9 or Saturday, April 9 from 10-12 - $12 or Free with $24 catalog product purchase – 8 cards. RSVP by Wednesday, March 30 for Wednesday class or Saturday, April 2 for Saturday class.

 

Stamped Domino: This idea was popular a number of years ago, but I resurrected it this past Christmas and gave a bunch away as small gifts. They were very popular so I thought I'd do a class. 




 

This is just a sample of one I made with the Aviary stamp set. 

 

Wednesday, February 23 from 7-8:30 - $10 or Free with $20 catalog product purchase. These are really cool. If you are into the altered style, you will love these altered dominos. We will use ink and stamps to decorate the smooth side of dominos. They make great refrigerator magnets, pins, gifts, etc. You can make up to five dominos during class.  Let me know no later than Monday, February 21 if you are coming.

 

Perpetual Birthday Calendar - A beautiful birthday calendar you can use year after year! This calendar has 12 pages, one for each month. You fill in your family and friend's birthdays and reuse every year, just shuffle the pages for the current month. Includes clipboard which can also be altered (my favorite style).

Wednesday, March 9 from 7-9 - $12.50 or Free with $25 catalog product purchase. I will need your reservation by Wednesday, March 2 for this one - quite a bit of prep work.

 

Stamp-A-Stack Birthday Cards

Wednesday, March 23 from 7 – 9 - $20 for 12 cards/envelopes or Free with $40 catalog product purchase.

You will make 3 cards each of 4 designs with coordinating envelopes. Great way to stock up on those birthday cards!

Revervations required by Friday, March 4. Again, product will have to be ordered and prepared.

 

Simply Adorned Charm Necklace Class

   

Wednesday, April 20 from 7-9 pm This is a product based class so your order for the charm and chain must be placed and paid by

April 6.

I've only made a few inserts so far and these are my first, but I will be making many more!



The back side.



We will make the 1x1 ¼ size charm inserts – there will be 12 samples to choose from and you may make up to 6. The total cost is $40. This includes product, tax, shipping, and $2 class fee. Of course, you can add to your order – there are baubles, keys, and crowns you can purchase to adorn your chain (like I have).

 

 



We all love FREE stuff. Ladies rush to the make-up counter when there is a gift with purchase. Stampin' Up! is no different and this is your chance this year to get your free gift with purchase.

 

Need retail therapy? Shop 24/7 on my SU website.

 

Let me know about classes and if you have any questions.

 

Dorothea

Be My Valentine 2

Here is another round of Valentine cards. I made these cards at my daughter's card class. They are cute and were super easy to put together.

Let me know if you have any questions!



This card uses Whisper White base, Real Red and Regal Rose backgrounds, the Modern Label, Petal Card, and Small Heart Punches, Tiny Tiny Wishes and Valentine Defined stamp sets, and Love Impressions Designer Paper, Regal Rose and VersaMark Ink.



I think this is my favorite of the three because it is so elegant. It uses Whisper White and Basic Black for the base and background, the heart is Red Glimmer Paper, Pretty In Pink Satin Ribbon, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Rhinestones (don't know the stamp set for "love you"), Basic Black Ink

Regal Red, Basic Black, and Whisper White Card Stock, Valentine Defined Stamp Set, two oval punches, Rhinestones, Real Red Ink

This is the great thing about card classes, you get to make 8 cards in a couple of hours and your demonstrator has all the supplies, stamp sets, equipment, and paper cut for you. You get to make great cards without a huge expense.

My next card class is Saturday, February 19 at 10 a.m. Let me know if you'd like to attend so I can have everything prepared for you. Of course, we won't be making Valentine cards, but we'll be making others that are super cute and nice. The class is $12 or FREE with a $24 purchase. But don't forget about Sale-A-Bration - FREE stamp set for every $50 in catalog purchases! More bang for your buck!!!

Be My Valentine 1

That red, pink, and heart shaped holiday is just around the corner (next Monday in case you haven't checked your calendar). In the demonstrator world, we have been cranking out Valentine themed items for a month or more now. I have a stash. Here's a couple of projects I created and in the next few days, I'll feature cards others have made.

Speaking of that heart shape, I <3 FREE stuff, don't you!? This is the best time of year to get some free stamp sets. SALE-A-BRATION is when customers get a SAB stamp set for free with every $50 purchase, hostesses get an extra stamp set when they host a $300 or more workshop. To make it even sweeter, signing up as a demonstrator has it's own incentive as well: 15% off the new demonstrator kit AND an extra bundle of goodies valued at up to $50 is added. Now that's what I call SWEET! Take advantage by contacting me!

This is my February workshop make-and-take:

The owl punch combined with Real Red cardstock and Designer Paper or Regal Rose cardstock and Melon Mambo Designer Paper makes a super cute and simple Valentine gift. I also added a magnet strip to the back to hang on the refrigerator.

This next card is one I created for my January unit meeting. Those who want make a stack of cards and we have a contest and swap. A few get prizes and everyone who participates gets to go home with a bunch of new samples and ideas. Here's mine - I won 2nd place (after a tie and a drawing to choose the winner...lol!):

The next picture is one I made when I was playing around with the flowers. You'll see. I will make another post later about the flowers. I have really connected with these paper flowers and made a bunch (no pun intended) of cards with them. I could continue making them, but I worry I may get in a rut doing it ;-)

This shows the detail of the flower.

I'd love comments and if you have any questions, let me know!

BTW, all the stamp images on these cards are registered to Stampin' Up! I don't have one of those fancy signature things yet, but I have ordered it.

Mojo Monday 177

I've been following the Mojo Monday Blog for awhile now and have always wanted to play along, but hadn't felt up to it until now.

The way Mojo works is a design team comes up with sketches on a weekly basis and then they all make samples from the sketch. Then after the sketch and samples are posted, others are invited to play along. On the first Monday of the month, it is a contest with a prize.

Here's the sketch:


Here's my entry:

Bliss

The Bliss stamp set. I loved it the moment I saw it and it was the first Sale-A-Bration catalog item I purchased. (Demonstrators can purchase the items in the minis and SAB catalogs before they come out so we can make samples.) However, once SAB starts, everyone earns them for FREE with a minimum $50 purchase! Then, the hardest thing is choosing which FREE item to get.

 I purchased the Bliss set. It is so versatile and I haven't even discovered all the things I can do with it, but here are a few I've managed to create:

The first card uses the Bliss set and the Clearly For You (click on link then select pg. 7) set which is in the Occassions Mini. I just love those little birds. The second card is modeled after the one pictured in the SAB catalog with the set. I made a few changes according to my supplies.



I showed the detail of the last card because I decided to fray the ribbon to continue the style of the card.

Let me know if you have any questions.

It's A Snow Day

It's a snow day around here, the fourth day in a row that schools have been closed. So unusual for the North Texas area. Well, I home school, so it has been just regular days for us. I guess the good thing is we don't have to make these days up like the public schools! Our teaching co-op was cancelled though, so maybe we do have to make that up.

All of that to say, it's a great day to hunker down in the craft room and CREATE!!! But until I get there, I am here creating this blog! Welcome. I hope to: Inspire. Create. Share.


To get you going here is a card I created awhile back for a friend who loves butterflies.

I used Whisper White and Elegant Eggplant cardstock, Just Believe stamp set, the Beautiful Wings embosslit, Basic Pearl embellishments, and Elegant Eggplant ink.

Let me know if you have any questions and I'd love to hear comments too!


P.S. If anyone has suggestions on how to get my pictures to come out better, PLEASE let me know. I see other blogs and pictures and they look so good. Don't know how to do that.