Simply Sent - simply rocks!

I love the Stampin' Up! Simply Sent app ...great way to spruce up a photo to send to family and friends via social media ... this is my baby Nevada enjoying her first carrier free car ride to the in laws - she was way more amenable to being free to look around :)

Happy Stampin'

Margaret 

More Amore ~ how can I love this more?

How gorgeous is this More Amore Specialty Designer Series Paper ~ if you love it as much as I do you better act fast cause it is only available in the Current Mini catty until May 31st!

I just had so much fun with this DSP using accents from the Artisan Embellishment kit, the Hearts a Flutter Stamp Set and Framelt which just go so perfectly! 

The Elegant and Bitty Butterfly punch and the Swallowtail butterfly stamp as well as Papillion Potpourri all help to add wonderful texture and bling to this fun little lay out!

Happy Stampin'

Margaret 

Masculine Card Swap Hybrid

I have always maintained that one of the many things I love about Stampin' Up is the collaborative supportive atmosphere that they cultivate within the organization ~ and  the inspriation for this card is no exception to that! 

Tomorrow night is our monthly 'card swap' as part of our Gold Stars Inc. team meeting with Liz Goldhawk and the theme this month is 'Make it Masculine' ~ which sent me searching for inspiration for a masculine card something I always find a challenge to be honest being a 'flowery butterfly bling' kinda gal.

Our card swaps are just one of the ways we help our team gather ideas for make n takes and the chance to showcase product we might not have yet at our workshops by sampling each others 'must haves' from the current catalog. A great way to help each other build our businesses and ensure we are reaching as many customer tastes and stampin' needs as possible ~ our wonderful supportive team a great reason to be a Stampin' Up Demo! 

The other benefit for a Stampin' Up demos is our demonstrator only website where demos can share their work and ideas ... this wonderful resource is where I found the inspiration for this totally awesome masculine hybrid card for tomorrow nights card swap. 

I call it a hybrid because the Well Worn DSP that I chose is 'now retired' from the catalog. However thankfully for those of us who LOVE it for its masculine feel it is still available as a digital download for My Digital Studio which allows us addicted demo's to still 'showcase it' in our classes and workshops as a way to show stampers the benefit of the My Digital Studio in traditional card making... win win!

This card also showcases the Honeycomb embossing folder and the the Itty Bitter Banner framelits and stamp set!

Happy Stampin'

Margaret  

Retiring List Out Today

Today is the day ~ the Stampin' Up! Retiring Stamps, Wheels and Accessories list is out ~ stop by my online store to check out the retiring products some of which are on sale for 25 - 40% off. 

Please note that while the page numbers on the website only go to 10 if you keep clicking the little arrow button beside the 10th page there are indeed more than 10 pages of products ~ not sure why they do not have the pages numbered past 10 but just do not want anyone missing out on great products cause they stop looking at 10 :)

Products on this list are available 'while supplies last' so it is important if you have something on your wishlist that is retiring to order it as soon as possible because once this list comes out things tend to fly off the shelves!

You can order online by clicking on the  'Somthing for Everyone' photo above or shoot me an email and I can place an order for you.

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Stampin' for The Run for the Cure

So it is that time of year again where I will be recruiting family and friends to come join me in the Run for the Cure! 

In addition there is no time like the present to start my fundraising campaign for this years Run being held on Sunday October 6!

For those who are not into actually into participating in the run but would like to support the Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer I am selling 'Fight Like a Girl' pink themed cards where all the profits go to the Run for the Cure ... these are a few samples showing the Breast Cancer stamps I have. 

However please note that I can custom order or use any stamp with a 'pink theme' for people using any of the wonderful Stampin up stamps I own as well as add sentiment for any occasion.

 

 Cards are $3.00 each and come with a matching envelope.

Can also get 5 cards with envelopes for $12 or for $15 I can add a matching gift box. 

10 cards with matching envelopes for $20 or for $25 I can add a matching gift tote.

I love putting my passion for stamping to extra could use each year raising funds towards my fundraising goal ~ so please feel free to drop me a line to arrange purchase of some "Fight Like a Girl" cards. 

In addition to cards I can also make custom made journals, glass etchings and other paper crafting ....here are a few samples of prior Run for the Cure projects!

Thank you again for any support you can give the Run for the Cure cause ~ once I have finalized our team I will be adding a 'donation' button to the blog for those who would rather just donate directly to the Run for the Cure.

In the meantime,

Happy Stampin'

Margaret 

2013-14 Color Refresh list is here!

Just wanted to share with everyone the sneak peek at the Colors that will be retiring at the end of the May ... if any of your favorite Stampin' Up colors are retiring than NOW is the time to order and stock up on paper, ink and embellishments because they go first come first serve and based on history they go fast!

I know I will be stocking up on Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy and Certainly Celery cause those are three of my favorites!!!

Just wanted to come back to add that any orders placed Saturday April 6th, Sunday April 7th and Monday April 8th before 6pm will have FREE SHIPPING ~ perfect time to stock up on retiring colors or taking advantage of anything in the spring catalog. 

Happy Stampin'
Margaret

Pumped About Paper Pumpkin

I am so excited - my Paper pumpkin just arrived in the mail .... it comes all wrapped like a gift and when you open it up it is complete with everything I need to make these wonderful cards - how cool is that!

Going to carve out some time tonight to make them and can't wait to mail them out to some wonderful friends just to say "glad to have you in my life"!

Happy Stampin'
Margaret

Paper Pumpkin Fun

One of the things I truly enjoy about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is the support and encouragement of the entire Stampin' Up team ... from my local team leader Liz to the support staff at head office everyone is so welcoming and awesome. I can never say enough thank yous for all they do to help me reach my evolving business goals or just give me a supportive pep talk!

This month at our team meeting we had a card swap showcasing the wonderful products in the Spring Catty and Sale-abration rewards program to help us come up with ideas and samples to showcase at our upcoming workshops and classes ... I have 8 wonderful cards inspired by some amazing ladies to share with you in the coming days but first is the above card I shared with the team ... it was inspired by an example I saw on Pinterest showcasing the Secret Garden stamp set and Framelit combo and I loved the clean and simple look of it and it totally met the goal of taking less than 10 minutes to put together for swap participants ... you cannot even go to the mall and buy a store bought card in less than 10 minutes let alone a stunning homemade offering like this one :)

 

And while we are speaking of sending cards I am not sure about you but arriving to the mailbox and finding something that is not a bill or junk advert is always something that truly makes my day! This is one of the reasons I am passionate about homemade card making ... it allows me to nurture my soul through the creative process and allows me to share my passion and joy with others sending them out treasures in the mail and one of the things I love about Stampin' Up ... is they get me and others like me and the challenge of finding balance with our need to make time for paper crafting and the demands of everyday life  ;)

To help with this balance they are unveiling the Paper Pumpkin ... a awesome new stamping concept for the busy paper crafter in each of us ... each month those who sign up for the Paper Pumpkin program will be sent a wonderful package in the mail with a new creative invitation, instructions for those who like to follow along step by step and everything you need to create wonderful homemade gifts for yourself or loved ones! All the materials you need will come measured, cut and ready to be stamped and assembled with your thoughtful hands all you need is your favorite adhesive ... the projects are designed to be quick and simple yet stunning and have you on your way in just a few minutes time! 

I signed up and am so excited to get my March offering in the mail in a week or so ... if you want to sign up for this months Paper Pumpkin just let me know and I can help you with the sign up process ~ it is quick and easy we just need to get in done before March 10th deadline otherwise you'll have to wait for the April Paper Pumpkin! 

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Christmas Ornament Fun

Last night had the good fortune to make these awesomely wonderful ornaments with a group of lovely ladies ... think at times there was more laughing than crafting ... but IMO that is the great thing about stamping - making memories with those you love!

If you've not had a chance check out the clearance rack as there are over 300 new items there to add to our Christmas list :)

Happy Stamping
Margaret!

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's a new app from Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! has rolled out a coolest new Digital Card making app 'Simply Sent' for the Iphone and the best part is it's available for FREE! A cute selection of Designer Series papers, ribbon accessories, embellishments, text and photo insert options! 

The app is really easy to use ... I just made this little cute e-card in just a minute or two and with quick share options to various social media outlets it was easy to share ~ I am loving it already!

When you have a moment go on over and check out the Itunes store to download the Simply Sent app to your mobile device today just in time to make some cute free e-cards for the upcoming holidays!

Also just want to share it is just about time to start our annual online sale ~ the Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza ~ which begins this Monday, November 19, and ends on Wednesday, November 28. 

We've got a fantastic selection of stamp sets, accessories, and tools that will be discounted up to 50 percent! Plus you do not want to miss the first 24 hours of the sale when the Big Shot, Doctor's Bag, and Simply Scored Diagonal Plate will be 20 percent off retail price!

Please remember to check out my Online Store on Monday morning to take advantage of these 24-hour-only savings, as well as oodles of other popular products discounted up to 50 percent! 

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Spooktacular Stamp Sale ~ Today only!!!!

For one day only, Stampin Up will give you 15 percent off almost every stamp you buy! The goal is to sell more stamps in a single day than ever before. October 29 is the one-day Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular! As a extra bonus from me I will match that and give you and extra 15% off your order, so you will now save 30% off any stamps ordered today ~ October 29th. Please feel to forward or share this sale with all your friends and family so everyone can take advantage of it.

Here are the details:
Starting at 12:00 AM (MT) and ending at 11:50 PM (MT), almost every stamp we sell will be 15 percent off. This means all stamps in our current catalogues including:

• Background stamps
• Personalized name stamps
• Cookie press stamps
• Single-image stamps

This DOES NOT include

• Hostess sets
• Bundled stamp sets
• Digital stamp brush sets

There is no minimum purchase, and no limit to the number of stamps you can order.

To receive the extra 15% from me your order needs to be submitted through me, any orders placed online will only get the 15% being offered by Stampin' Up! To order through me either shoot me an email or give me a call on my cell phone.

If you wish to order more then just stamps, you will receive my 15% discount on your additional items, shipping and taxes apply to the original price.

All orders must be received no later then 9:30 pm tonight so I have time to input them orders received after that time will miss out on the discounts.

Stay dry and Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Time for preording Christmas cards

Just wanted to take a moment to share a few Stampin' Up updates with everyone!

Stampin' Up just added over 70 new items to their Clearance Rack ~ an opportunity to get some awesome products at up to 60% off from digital software content to die cutting tools to specificity paper and embellishments .... there are lots of awesome finds ~ check out my online store for ordering information!

Also for those who love the look of homemade creations and cards but just do not have the investment or space for paper crafting in your own home please remember to check out my classes and workshops where you can come out to my home and make cards or scrapbook layouts with out having to invest in equipment or storage space ~ you just pay for the cost of the workshop and create your master piece for taking home!

 

Also as much as I am enjoying the sunshine and warm weather the reality that Christmas in coming shortly is upon me ~ less than 10 weeks away and 6 weeks until Xmas cards should be mailed out ~ if you are interested in purchasing some of my premade Christmas cards or ordering custom made Christmas cards this year please let me know ASAP by email so that I can start planning to have all orders filled in time to meet your needs .... costs for cards are listed belong!

Ready made Price List
$3 each
$12 for set of 5
$20 for set of 10

Custom Designed Price List
$5 each
$20 for set of 5
$35 for set of 10
Add a gift box to any card set for $5

Happy Stampin' 

Margaret 

Back to Spool with a new crafting space!

 Just wanted to pop on and share the Back to Spool special for September is coming to a close ~ last week to take advantage of getting some free Ribbon!

Also wanted to give an update that our basement renovations took way longer than anticipated but are finally almost complete ~ it sure cuts into finding time to craft and blog but the light is finally getting closer at the end of that tunnel and I so cannot wait to have some spare time again to make use of my new crafting space.

This weekend I finally got my craft room almost 'complete' ... just need to put together a couple of the IKEA mirror door inserts to hide some of the clutter and than do the 'decorating' of some art work for the walls so thought I would share some photos so far :)

View from the door looking to the right ... Michaels had their Recollection cubes on sale this month and I went a little overboard but am totally LOVING the outcome! Desk is from IKEA and I need to get a new chair down the road as this is one of my 'class chairs' and while ok for an hour or so not for all day crafting!

Invested in some IKEA Expedit cubes ~ loving how much these hold .. combination of all my craft stuff and the rotation toys for the daycare and all the kids books conveniently organized in one area.

 Close up view of my desk top ....  love how the little cubes hold all my knick knacks at my finger tips!

 Made use of every last inch of space for storage ... Recollection cubes under the desk hold my card samples, envelopes, straps of paper in the drawers and so forth.

Initially I was going to use the IKEA towel racks on the wall for punch storage but while shopping I noticed that this IKEA side desk drawer option was a PERFECT size to hold all my punches and embossing folders and so forth ... the Stampin Up new punches all stand up so I can pull open the drawer and see what is there by the image plus they are all contained so when I am sitting reflecting there is less visual chaos on the wall to distract my creativity.  

The Recollections 12x12 hanging file cubes are perfect for keeping all my paper at my finger tips, neatly organized and free from light and dust ... well worth the investment!

Happy Stampin'
Margaret

Try the My Digital Studio 2 for FREE

Stampin' Up's My Digital Studio 2 is here and you can try it out for FREE for 30 days to see if you like it by clicking HERE ... I now after 30 days you are going to love it so than you can give me a shout and I can hook you up with the full program and all the fixings to get you started either making 100% fully digital creations or amazing Stampin' Up hybrids that combine digital and traditional use of ribbons, buttons, brads and other embellishments to give it that 3D effect!

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Missing Loved One

I know my blog has been a little AWOL lately however I need your help ~  Darrell Reihl a family friend has gone missing from the St Catherine's Ontario region on Tuesday August 14th ~ his loved ones are beside themselves with worry for Darrell and they could use all the prayers and positive support possible to help bring him home!!!

Let's work our blogging magic ~ one never knows where the help Darrell needs to get home might be found so please regardless of your home based location if you could please SHARE this photo on your blog or Facebook or other media options to help spread the word it would be an awesome ~ I thank you in advance for your love and support!!!!