A Wicked Halloween indeed!

Not only will the trick or treaters be happy with these little cellophane goodie bags I made up wishing them a Wicked Halloween - but Stampin Up has a treat for us grown ups as well!!

The FREE BIG SHOT incentive deal has been extended until Friday November 11th - so if you were on the fence and worried you missed out - it is not too late!

This is such a remarkable opportunity Stampin Up did not want people busy with Halloween preparations to miss out on an amazing deal so they have extended the FREE BIG SHOT deal for new demonstrators who join up!

Here is an example of one of the many things you can make with the Big Shot .... not to mention the benefits of working with an awesome team of demonstrators as this was something we made with my Up line mentor at her house this month ... a totally gorgeous gift box for someone special this holiday season!

I added some bling bling Poinsettias when I got home and a little additional Very Vanilla bow!

The little box opens and fully functional to hold some tasty chocolates, jewellery, a gift card - options are endless! 

Have you ever considered the benefits of being a Stampin' Up Demonstrator? We have all sorts of career paths! 

From the 'Discount Demo' who is her own best customer and joins up just to get the amazing Start Kit goodies and the great 20% demo discount ... if you are an avid stamper or scrapper this path could be for you!

We have the 'Hobby Demo' career path which is perfect for those of us who have a financial goal we want to meet - we can earn some extra money or we can earn enough money part time to support our own addiction - so a few workshops and classes a month help the Hobby Demo to support their addiction while getting a great discount on products they love!

Last but not least we have the 'Dynamic Business Demo' who has a bit more time and energy to devote to their business .. striving to keep their calendar full with workshops and classes and working to build a strong team of fellow Demos to really share what they love!

The great thing about Stampin' Up is that the quarterly minimums are very attainable for the Discount Demo path and the possibilities for building a strong business are endless guided by a supportive team and your own passion!

This month join my team before November 11th and not only get a FREE BIG SHOT but the awesome Start Kit as well - not to mention the support of an amazing down-line of demonstrations all ready, willing and able to share ideas and motivation - so give me a call if you have questions!

 

Don't forget to check back tomorrow when I will have some more awesome news to share about more FREE stuff for Stampin Up Digital enthusiasts in honor of this Saturdays National Digital Scrapping Day! 

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Trick or Treat Characters

How stinking cute are these guys? 

I have seen variations of these little guys all over the net and thought they would be so fun with the kiddies for their Halloween bags - cause they can eat the legs but still have the body as finger puppets cause I left a hole between the front layer and back layer of the characters and well not to be totally selfish in my Trick or Treating but I stamped my contract info on the back of the puppets should any parents out there want to learn more about paper crafting and Stampin' Up as well as there is room for a business card for my home childcare should any be looking for childcare - so win win ;)

So we have Jack, Mummy and Frank here ...

Meet Jack ... he features the Top Note die in Pumpkin Pie which I scored using our new scoring tool and than folded to give a 3D effect by sponging the creases with Pumpkin ink. I used the Pennant builder punch to quickly punch my triangles as well as to create his smile. The Two Step Bird punch made great vines on the top with some scraps of Green glitter paper from my non-stamping stash ... sure how they keep adding new colors to our line cause I love our quality better ;)

Jack's legs are created with our new cellophane bags from the Holiday mini and were stuffed with some Jelly Belly black and orange beans - yummy!

Meet Mummy ... looking dapper in Very Vanilla which was torn to create his bandages look and sponged with some Soft Suede ink to give him that worn look ... eyes and a dazzling detail smile create the look. His cellophane legs are stuffed with some purple candy corn - which for some reason decided to be a little challenging going in - not sure if it is the triangle shape or what -  so while Mummy was quick to put together his legs were a bit of a pita so only a few of him were created!

 Meet Frank ... unlike Dr Frankenstein's experience Frank was actually the quickest and easiest to make so there are more of his friends in the treat collection ;)

Frank features one Always Artichoke Top Note and one Basic Black Top Note which was cut in half width wise and used to create his hair and the back panel of the finger puppet and hide the leg attachment! 

Now just punch some eyes and lids with the circle punch add a little Always Artichoke sponging and draw a smile and a scar and put some Twizzlers in a cellophane bag for legs which slide in nice and easy and Frank is good to go!!

Happy Halloween 
Margaret

Trick or Treat Vampire Bats

Spooky fun ..... Vampire Bat style! 

I had seen these litlte Bat samples all over the Internet and was exited to get to make one of these cool trick or treat bags as a sample at my upline Liz's class this weekend and see how easy they actually were that I thought what a cool project to make with the daycare kids for their trick or treat bags this weekend.

I tweaked the sample a bit by having the kids add some versamark via a brayer to the wings and than we heat embossed them hand over hand. As a result of little hands helping we got some embossing powder where it did not belong but that is ok I think it gives the wings that 'wet look' that bats have and well the crew loves playing with my Big Shot and other stampin materials - makes them feel grown up! 

The kids picked through my glitter brads to choose their favorite eye colors and helped with punching out some fangs using the small Pennant builder punch and of course the Dazzling Details to add the slippery vampire bat smile!

I also made up an encore offering of some of the spooky butterfly magnets and pins for the crew cause they were a hit last year!

Happy Stampin

Margaret

Clearly For You

More fun with the Iris Fold card layout ... this one features the Pretty Postage Stamp set and the Clearly for You stamp set and the Beautiful Bouquet DSP with the In color Wisteria Wonder.

We will be learning more about this technique at my November 1st class - still room around the table if you are interested - just shoot me an email or phone call!

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Spooky Cute Monkey Challenge

Fun with the A La Card Monkey this week as well ... click the link to check out how others were inspired!

Here is my take on the sketch ... making use of the Fright Night DSP and my Wicked Cool stamp set!

Of course being a punch addict - I love that the Owl builder punch can be turned into a spooky ghost and also that the Tiny Tiny tags boo makes an awesome mouth sentiment for him!

I wanted some brads for this section but realized I was out of the 'black' ones - so I made my own glitter 'brads' by using some Chrystal effects and black glitter!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving so many encouraging comments!

Happy Stampin

Margaret

Mashing Up Stamping 411

Had fun this weekend creating some challenge cards .... great way to stay warm on a cold rainy weekend ... there are so many inspiring challenges out there that I combined a few to come up with my card creations!

Started by Mashing up a snowflake inspired easel card for the Friday Mashup ... feel free to click the picture to see how others were inspired by the challenge ....

Then I hopped on over to the Stamping 411 and was inspired by their layout and incorporated it into my card as well ... I did flip the orientation a bit to make it work with the easel ... feel free to click the photo to see the wonderful inspirations others had from this layout!

And finally my color combination was inspired by this months Goldstar Ink team challenge  ... make a card using grey, blue and red in a card to share with the team ... and here is my final inspiration combining these three awesome challenges.

I love how the embossing powders of silver and iridescent ice really make this card 'sparkle' and I used the silver cardstock as well which is a shade of grey and adds  some additional dimension and glam to it ...almost used our new silver glimmer paper but restrained myself otherwise people might have needed sunglasses to view the card!

And the final Piece De Resistance that makes this card so yummy for me .... a little Doily snowflake accent, rhinestone bling and dazzling details were added to the snowflakes and sentiment! 

Thanks for stopping by and taking time to leave a comment - your support and encouragement means a lot!

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Just Add Ink Color Q challenge

Combined the following three challenges to create my Masculine Fall cards for OWH this month ... just have to learn how to do my 'envelope tuck' and I can send out a bunch for the end of the month!

Click the photos to links to the awesome website challenges and to see other peoples inspirations from these sketches! 

And here are my offerings inspired by the above sketches ... I was inspired by the Just Add Ink photo to pull out my Lovely as a Tree Stamp set ... and the Color Q inkspiration of Black, Basic Grey, More Mustard (do not have Crushed Curry anymore as it is retired) and Tangerine Tango.

I am loving the new Peekaboo Frame die cause it is awesome for creating 'sentiments' on card bases ... for this card I used the Petite Pairs stamp set for the sentiment of I am here for you - no matter what! 

Note to self in future - sponge your sentiment inside before you glue it in otherwise the ink does not stick to the glue - however I like the 'marble look' it created  it looks better in real life!

 This is another offering using the same Inkspirations  but I changes up the layout a wee bit ... to be honest this was an accident card I tries to salvage ... as I accidentally cut one of my pieces wrong for the OWH sketch and wanted to savage of the brayer work I had done.

 I used the Jewellery Tag punch and the Tiny Tags to add a little hint of sentiment to the front ... and tied it all together with a Vintage brad and some black grosgrain ribbon!

Thanks for stopping by

Happy Stampin
Margaret

Book-a-thon!

Stampin Up is having a Book-a-thon contest again TODAY ONLY to encourage demonstrators worldwide to book 10,000 workshops for the month of November to help share our love of stampin’ and prepare customers for the upcoming Holiday season!

I am always up for a contest and a chance for free prizes and it is pretty easy I simply have to get a few workshops on my calendar to help us collectively reach our goal of 10,000 workshops for November!

With Christmas coming up I’ve got lots of ideas for holiday cards, gifts, wrapping, and décor. I would love to get together with you and your friends and show you how you can incorporate handcrafted projects into the holidays.   

Stampin’ Up! also has the perfect holiday gifts for stockings - including our brand-new Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps! 

We also have lots of festive holiday products in our Holiday Mini Catalog.

In addition to regular workshops I also host scrapbooking themed workshops and My Digital Studio themed workshops ... Stampin’ Up truly has something for everyone! 

So will you help me win a prize? Not only will you have an amazing time with friends making cards and projects at an in home workshop but you too will get awesome hostess gifts and free product for hosting. 

Plus as a special incentive from me for every party booked in November the hostess can choose and additional treasure from my ‘Thank you basket’.

Drop me a line or give me a call to book your workshop!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone has enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend... we just finished and I am taking a break to blog before tackling the clean up!

This is one of the cards we will be making at tomorrow nights technique class ... it uses the 'Iris Fold' technique!

Love how the Well Worn DSP coordinates with this technique and the Just Believe stamp set ... Night of Navy, Cajun Craze and Very Vanilla look lovely together!

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

A La Card Monkey Challenge 77

I am so very excited to be chosen to be an A La Monkey Guest Designer this week ...  click the Monkey to check out my card that was honored over there and see all the wonderful cards that other followers shared!

So this weeks Monkey Challenge #77 was to use the following sketch and leaves as inspiration in making a card ...

And here is the card that I was inspired to make and offer up as Guest Designer this week .... the leaves are really starting to turn here in London and I was inspired to use some of the colors I am seeing everyday while out and about enjoying the Fall weather with the kids!

 

My card features the Stampin' Up  French Foliage stamp set with the colors of More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Elegant Eggplant and Always Artichoke with Vanilla accents.

The smaller leave in the Foliage set makes a wonderful floral accent which reminds me of a poinsettia and the Basic Pearls are perfect addition to the middle ... so this card is a tribute to fall with a foreshadowing of the Winter ahead!

 No handmade card is complete without a matching inner place to write your handwritten sentiment ... I am going to use this one as a thank you to a special someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting me this month!

A close up of some cool texture incorporated into the card in case you missed it in the overshot photo ... I used a piece of Cajun Craze with a strip of Very Vanilla to create a 'ribbon'. I stamped the Vanilla strip with the water spots stamp from French Foliage in the Cajun Craze and ran it through the crimper. It still needed something so I than added some additional hemp thread wrapped around and using a brad attached the sentiment from the Tiny Tags stamp set which I punched with the Jewellery punch.

 You can see a little bit in the photo below how the card all coordinates with the outside, inside note and envelope all stamped!

Happy Stampin'
Margaret

No better time to join my team ...

Welcome bloggers ... I can never say it enough but one of the things I just LOVE about Stampin' Up is the collaborative supportive team atmosphere ... my upline is amazing and we meet monthly to share ideas on building our business and participating in cardswaps!

Here are some shares from the end of Septembers swap where we focused on Holiday themed cards showcasing Holiday mini and other finds from the catty  ...

From Liz's daughter an amazing Halloween offering ... loved creating this it was spooky sponging fun!

 Nancy shared this peekaboo ornament card which showcases the new Platinum embossing powder however my camera did not do it justice!

 Pauline brought a guest this month - another great thing about Stampin' Up they really mean it when they say 'Share What You Love' . Pauline's guest was Tanya if I remember correctly who shared this card which showcased the Stocking Building punch and coordinating stamp set.

 From Liz this cool 'bleached' Comfort and Joy offering that has both a Fall and Christmas feel to it! 

From Pauling a really cool clean and simple Day of Gratitude offering ... combination of stamped and embossed images ...love the Gold embossing powder!

 From Susan ... another cool peekaboo Delightful Decorations offering which showcases the Northern Flurry embossing folder nicely as well!

Have you ever considered the benefits of being a Stampin' Up Demonstrator? We have all sorts of career paths! 

From the 'Discount Demo' who is her own best customer and joins up just to get the amazing Start Kit goodies and the great 20% demo discount ... if you are an avid stamper or scrapper this path could be for you!

We have the 'Hobby Demo' career path which is perfect for those of us who have a financial goal we want to meet - we can earn some extra money or we can earn enough money part time to support our own addiction - so a few workshops and classes a month help the Hobby Demo to support their addiction while getting a great discount on products they love!

Last but not least we have the 'Dynamic Business Demo' who has a bit more time and energy to devote to their business .. striving to keep their calendar full with workshops and classes and working to build a strong team of fellow Demos to really share what they love!

The great thing about Stampin' Up is that the quarterly minimums are very attainable for the Discount Demo path and the possibilities for building a strong business are endless guided by a supportive team and your own passion!

This month join my team and not only get a FREE BIG SHOT but the awesome Start Kit as well!

Happy Stampin'

Margaret

Run for the Cure

Well this weekend was a HUGE success for the Dynamic Daycare Diva's!

I participated in the Runs Shoe Challenge by blinging up a pair of cross trainers with some Melon Mambo ink and some Chrystal Effects with Dazzling Diamonds sprinkled on top! I dyed my shoelaces pink with some Melon Mambo reinker and added some 'iron on' decals by using my heat gun to melt them in place!

The Dynamic Daycare Divas raised just over $1250 in online and offline fundraising efforts which helped to contribute to the $795,000 raised in London Ontario for the Run for the Cure's Fight to end breast cancer!

 The go all out for the Run for the Cure in spreading the Pink spirit ... they even had Pink Poopers!

Donna and Lisa signing the Wall of Hope with me letting people know who they were running for this year! This year I ran for my mom who recently had a scare but was lucky to have her tests come back negative!

The Dynamic Daycare Divas left to right Brandon, Emily, Donna, Margaret and Lisa

Already looking forward to planning next years fundraising efforts and expanding our 'team' to inspire more peers to come on out and Fight for a Cancer free future!

October brings some awesome specials with Stampin Up - check out my sidebar to learn more about the 'How to earn a FREE Big Shot', the Cookie Press goes live this week and how to earn a free stamp set by purchasing some Simply Sent kits!

Happy Stampin'
Margaret