Project Kits - Contest

In October Stampin’ Up! ran a "Pick a Kit" survey on the SU Facebook page asking for input from customers and demos.  Well, the results are in and an amazing kit has been constructed!  With all the hubbub of Halloween and Christmas, you may have missed seeing the information on the winning kit and so I’d like to share it with you today.  Here is a picture of the first viewer’s choice kit (drum roll, please) . . . Fancy Friends!

Fancy Friends Kit Order # 132319 $17..95 add additional Note Cards kit item # 107311

You’ll get everything you need to make six cards for only $17.95 (item 132319)!  And if six cards aren’t enough, you can add additional Note Cards to your order (item 107311). They've also included extra rhinestones in the Friends Kit -- just in case.   

To assemble these cards:

1. Stamp the doily image in Daffodil Delight or Old Olive ink three times on the card and once on the envelope, re-inking between uses.
2. Stamp "Friends" in Daffodil Delight or Old Olive ink on the front of the card.
3. Adhere the flowers to the card. Adhere Rhinestone Basic Jewels to the center of the flowers. 

Now for some additional fun and prizes. You Can Submit a Project Too:

Stampin’ Up!® wants your kit ideas for upcoming kits. No, this is not a typo. Stampin’ Up! is starting up a new kit program especially for you. YOU will be the inspiration for the kits and YOU will vote to decide which project will be sold.

That’s right! Submit a Project is not limited to demonstrators!  Anyone can submit a project and/or vote on upcoming kits.  Isn’t that just too exciting!!!! 

This is a great way to get the entire stamping community together, don't you think?   Okay so what are you waiting for start creating today! I know I'm going to be working on my project kit!  Send your kit ideas to Stampin’ Up and get ready to vote for your favourites.

How Do You Play Along - The Not-So-Fine Print!
*This program is available to both customers and demonstrators.

*While your projects should not include retired products, they may include products not created by Stampin' Up! such as jars or frames.

* The category for this promotion is Birthday, do not submit any other theme.

*Projects can be cards, scrapbook pages, home décor, holiday décor, birthday decorations, etc. If you can make it with Stampin' Up! product, you can submit it! 

*Submit your projects by e-mail. Send an image (less than 2 MB), supply list, and instructions for creating the project to: mailto:kitideas@stampinup.com?subject=Project%20name%3A. 

*Include the name of your project in the subject line of your email

* Must be received by Stampin' Up by midnight MTN time January 30, 2013.

*Please keep in mind that all submissions become the property of Stampin' Up! once received, and they reserve the right to change project elements, the project name or any feature to make the kit easy to reproduce.

So, what's in it for you?

Glad you asked! Those who submit the winning kit will:

• See it - your photo, name and project will be posted online.
• Flaunt it - you'll receive a "blog badge" for your personal blog or website.
• Spend it - you wouldn't be a winner without a $125 Stampin' Up! shopping spree.

And that’s not all!  Those whose submissions are in the top 20 will also receive product used in the winning kit or a $35 shopping spree of their own. 

Okay so that's it for today, but I've got another great kit promotion announcement coming your way tomorrow, so be sure to come back!

Click here:

LINKS TO CURRENT PROMOTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT:

1. Fancy Friends Kit 
2. Valentines Day Promotions
3. Talking Tags
4. Stampin Trimmer
5. Clearance Rack

Happy Stamping.  Please leave a comment if you liked this post and found it helpful!

Penny Tokens

Winter Card With Pop Ups

When I participated in the Can/Am Convention Girls Christmas Swap, the challenge was to make a Christmas/winter themed card using a technique. 

I really wanted to make something special for my Can/Am friends, but I was really stumped, until I was inspired by two cards I saw on Pinterest and Stampin' Ups! Stampin' Connection*.  Thank God for card sites!  

The first card featured the Snow Flurry Embossing Folder and Mittens Punch.  The second inspiration card was a birthday card that had a series of presents that popped up when you opened the card.  I decided I would combine a similar card front with pop-up presents for a Christmas theme.  Here are some of the steps that I took to create my card.

Pop-Up Presents Technique for inside of card: 

The pop-up packages are easy to create. The 3-D piece measures 5-1/4" X 8" (scored and folded at 4"). Cut slits in the folded edge, perpendicular to the fold as follows: slit #1, 1/2" up from bottom edge, from fold to 1-1/2"; slit #2, 1-1/4" up from slit #1, from fold to 1-1/2"; slit #3, 1-1/4" up from slit #2, from fold to 1-1/4", slit #4, 1-1/4" up from Slit #3, from fold to 1".

Push the slits to the back of the card stock. 

Once slits are cut, turn over and burnish folds to ensure they are  firm.

This view  of my template shows the presents before they are decorated and has the measurements on it. The next step is to decorate the pop outs by cutting three pieces of designer  paper which will be glued to each of the sections.  Make sure you coordinate the DSP so it doesn't clash.

This view shows the presents with 2 pieces of DSP adhered to them.  Add ribbon to the sides of the boxes and adhere to the back side of the card base with tape. Create a bow for the top of the box.  

This video by Akiko Hyoda shows how to add the DSP and the inside portion of the card to the outer layer.   Hope that makes sense............. if not watch the video and it will.  Ha Ha! 

Assembling the Card Front:

The card base is a 5 ½ x 8 ½ piece of Bashful Blue card stock.  Add 5 ¼ x 4” piece of Pacific Point.  The next layer is a 5 x 3¾ piece of Whisper White card stock that’s been embossed with the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder.  Although this picture doesn’t show it, Basic Rhinestones were added to the centers of the snowflakes for some bling.  

For the mittens and for the presents inside the card I used some of the beautiful papers from the Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack.  Using the Builder Mitten Punch, I punched two mittens from Bashful Blue DSP.  I made sure that I punched one mitten from the bashful blue side of the DSP and the other one from the Lucky Limeade side.  Why you might ask?  Well, if you don’t do that then your thumbs will both be facing the same way. 

The snowflake and the cuffs for the mittens were punched from Silver Glimmer Paper.  The Snow Flurry Bigz Die was used to cut out the snowflake image and it is the medium sized flake.  I added dimensionals to the back of it and two 1 ½” strands of Pacific Point Butcher’s Cord and then adhered this to the front of the card, just off center from the large embossed snowflake.  Once I had glued the silver cuffs to the mittens, I added dimensionals to the back of the mittens, capturing the butcher’s cord underneath them and then stuck each mitten to the card front.  Pretty cute!    

Sale-a-bration is Coming!

Sale-A-Bration What Is It?

One of Stampin' Up!s biggest events of the year is just around the corner and I'm excited to share some information about it.  Sale-a-Bration is the one time of the year when you can choose free additional stamp sets and product rewards for any purchase over $60.00 CDN (before S&H and tax).

How Do I Get My Own Sale-a-bration Flyer?
If you're a customer of mine you'll have already received your Sale-a-Bration (SAB) flyer and had a chance to look at all the neat little goodies within.  If  you're not a current customer but would like to receive  catalogues and sales promos for FREE all you have to do is place a minimum $25 order (before shipping/handling and tax) at my on-line store, or hold a workshop, or order directly through me.  Once you've done that you'll automatically receive the year's catalogues in the mail.

So What's So Hot About This Year's SAB?
Although the format of the flyer is totally different this year, don't get scared off, there are some awesome products available for FREE during the sales period from January 22nd to March  22nd.   Here's what's new:

• Six exclusive to  SAB stamp sets 
• Beautiful Designer Series Paper
• Cute buttons and ribbon pack
• A "to die for" Embossing Folder
• A cute little punch that coordinates with one of the Stamp Sets
• One big SAB 2013 Digital Disk - MDS 2 or Lemonade Stand Digital Disk
• If you earned all the above there are six additional products from the main catalogue available.  They include: 
• Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Set
• Getting Started Card Stock Pack - 24 sheets
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons - 24
• Quintessential Flower Stamp - single
• Simply Scored Diagonal Plate
• Essentials Paper Piercing Pack - 3 templates

Because Stampin' Up! is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year the SAB offers you THREE WAYS to earn free products.  Make sure you check out both sides of the flyer and you'll find the best way to earn free products during this promotion.

1.  Host a Party:

• Host a Party With a Few Friends and get minimum sales of $200 before s&h/taxes and you'll earn:
• $35 in Hostess Dollars to spend on what you want
• A Free pack of Silver Glimmer Paper 
• Host a $525 Party and you'll get:
• $90 in Hostess Dollars to spend on what you want
• 50% off  Any Full Priced Item from the IB&C or Spring Mini
• Free Product Bundle from SAB includes stamp set, designer paper and buttons and ribbon pack
• Free Pack of Silver Glimmer Paper 

2.  Join My Stampin' Up! Team and You'll Get:

• 20 % Off Product Discount Every Time you Order
• 25% More in Your Starter Kit - Choose $194 in products but only pay $125.00
• Click here to find out more about the Benefits of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

3.  Simply Shop:

• Easy- Peasy!  Spend just $60 (before S&H/tax) on-line or through me and you'll earn one free product choice from the SAB catalogue.

Sab and Spring Cattie Preview Card links:

Check out Kris Sobolik's great blog, Maddie Bug Designs to see a sneak peak at a SAB card.  Click here: http://maddiebugdesigns.blogspot.com/

You can also check out the offerings on the Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop that's happening right now.  They are featuring products from the Spring Catalog as well as some sneak peaks at SAB creations.  Happy Blog Hopping! 

Blog Hop Participants:

1. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
2. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
3. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
4. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
5. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
6. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
7. Patricia T. of Sunnyone Stampin'
8. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
9. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
10. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
11. Terry B of Goin' Over the Edge
12. Justin K of JK Cards
13. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
14. Jennifer B of NW Stamper
15. Bree R. of Craft-somnia
16. Diana E of Stampin' Fun with Diana

Technology Can Be Sooooooo Frustrating

What's the Problem?
For the past few weeks I've been experiencing problems accessing my Blogger Account, my ability to post to my Penny Tokens Blog site, Stampin' Connection and a few other sites I use. 
I've been techno-challenged!

How frustrating it's been!  
I wanted to start the New Year off with some exciting new blog posts, but nothing was simple.   For example, I'd spend hours trying to compose a new post.  Blogger would freeze as I typed and I'd have to wait in between each word.  As well, I couldn't access the picture Icon to download pictures from my browser and could only rely on what was stored in Picassa.  And, even after following a suggestion to used HTML mode to add pictures, the post would be corrupted and the paragraphs and photos would bounce all over the page.  Grrrrrrrrrh!

Asking for Help:
I know I haven't been alone with this problem. When I put a call-out for help on the Late Night Stamper Forum several stampers advised they've been having similar problems.   It's awesome being part of Late Night Stampers as the advice I received was almost instantly forthcoming and it was good solid information I could act on.  Unfortunately I did not have a similar experience in trying to access and receive help for these issues from Blogger's help forum.

Solution and Success!
So if you've hung in with me this far I've got some good news, at least from my point of view.  After trying several methods to recover my blogging access I was able to finally fix the problem by upgrading my browser from IE to Google Chrome.  So far so good but my fingers are crossed.  This week I'll be catching up with posts that should have been out a weeks or so ago. Please bear with me as I catch up.  Thank you. 

Valentine's Day Promotion - For You With Love

January
is off to a good start with Stampin' Ups! "For You With Love" Valentine Promotions.   

Bundle No. 1:
From January 3 to 21st you will get a FREE Sealed With Love Simply Sent Kit when you buy the exclusive clear mount My Little Valentine Set.

This four-stamp set was created exclusively for this promotion and will not be available after January 21st. At $11.95 this great little set offers every valentine sentiment you need to share your love with those you care about!

There's no limit on the number of My Little Valentine sets you can order and for each one ordered you'll get a free Sealed With Love Simply Sent Kit. These would make great gifts! To get the promotion pricing using Order #132242.




Send your love Simply Sent Kit makes 10 acid free love notes.  This kit is a $9.95 value and includes 10 notecards: 5 ea. of 2 designs; 3-3/8" x 4-9/16". 10 double-sided envelopes: 4-3/4" x 3-7/16". 20 printed paper buttons. 10 pieces Whisper White/Real Red Baker's Twine: ea. 10" (color exclusive to this kit). 24 Stampin' Dimensionals. Note: US Postal Service cannot process or deliver. Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Real Red, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White.
 

 Bundle No. 2:   VALENTINE TREAT BUNDLE
This special bundle offer contains the brand-new Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp (coordinates with the Stampin' Up! Full Heart Punch, #119883 which is NOT included in the bundle) and a package of 1" x 8" cellophane bags.

There's no limit on the number of bundles you can order! The Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp and bundle deal are ONLY available through Jan. 21. To get the bundle pricing, use item #132771.

 

 To order your Valentine Bundle specials simply visit my Stampin' Up! Website.  Click here:

Lovely Cards in the Mail.......Card Share

Look at all my love cards! 

I love receiving cards in the mail, and Christmas time is just the best time of year for this particular treat!

Although I love all the cards that arrive, my heart understandably beats faster when I open the mail box and there's an envelope from one of my stampin' friends. I can't wait to get home and check out the treasure within .

Here are some of the awesome cards I received in this year's Southern batch. I know you'll love them as much as I did. 


Joni Metras sent me this beautiful card which features a telescope ink technique which is just jaw dropping!  Joni's card was the first to arrive in my mail box as part of a Pre-Christmas Technique card swap that she organized for our Cal Am Convention Girls group.  I was and still am blown away by this card which looks so awesome in real life...... the picture doesn't do it justice as the blend of colours fairly dance off the page.  Awesome card Joni!

Lighted Easel card

Diane Ison sent me an exceptionally beautiful easel card for our Cal Am Convention Girls Pre-Christmas technique card swap.    This easel card was fabulous just as it was, but Diane added a special twist for her technique.  She made this card into a luminary by adding a velum window where the big snowflake is stamped.  I kept this on display with a battery operated candle adding cheery little light in the background.  All my guests oohed and awed when they saw it. 

Adel Klassen from my Cal Am Convention Girls group created a beautiful textured card for our card swap using the Coredinations Early Espresso Designer Card Stock and the Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set.  She did a Shaving Cream Technique card to go with the swap. 

My wonderful and uber talented sister Heather created this delightful card for me using the Textured Impressions Holiday Frames Embossing Folder and the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set and matching framelits (available as a carry over in the Spring Mini Catalogue).  As you can see from the closeup shot she added some cute detail to the top of the ornament with a  little bird die cut from the Silver Glimmer Paper and some leaves from the Little Leaves Sizzlet die cut.

 

A dear friend, Betty Lee, created this beautiful card featuring the glorious tree and vintage sentiment from the Christmas Lodge stamp set.  Although you can't see it clearly in this picture the sentiment is embossed in Gold embossing powder and the gorgeous double scallop trim was achieved by layering a piece of brushed gold and certainly celery cardstocks that had been punched out with the Scallop Edge Border Punch and then offset in layers.  Very clever and oh so pretty! 



This beauty from Jan Meyns took my breath away!  She embossed a piece of metal foil with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder from the now retired holiday mini catalogue.  Simply awesome.  A Champagne and Silver Glimmer paper snowflake cut with the Bigz Snow Flurry Die Cut adds to the dazzle on this card. 

 

A New Year and New Season is On It's Way

Now that the holiday season is behind us we can look forward with anticipation to Spring!  One great way to do that is to check out Stampin' Ups! just released Spring Catalogue.  If you haven't received a copy check out this on-line PDF. 

Here's how you can get your own free copy of all Stampin' Ups! catalogues:

• Place an on-line, workshop or individual order with me (minimum $25.00) at least once a year and you will be added to my catalogue mail out program.
• Host a workshop and you are eligible for this free catalogue program.