March Best of 25 Years Stamp Set

Don't forget to check out the latest addition to my "Best of 25 Years Link" on the top of my blog page menu bar.  This page is updated monthly with Stampin' Up!s latest favourite stamp set release.

All the details are there for ordering these stamp sets and earning a free reward.  Just scroll down to see each month.  March's theme is flowers. 

I was really excited when I saw this release as it has two of my all time favourite stamps, the Hygeranium and Upsy Daisy. 

Check out this beautiful card set made with the Hygeranium stamp created by Christina N., Concept Artist, on Stampin' Up!s Pinterest site:   http://www.stampinup.com/home/blog-post/corporate-blog/2013/03/05/best-of-flowers

Although this picture is a tad blurry, you can see the Upsy Daisy stamp featured on the lid of this jewelry box I designed for U Stamp with Dawn series on Big Shot Projects a few years ago.  I loved blurring the image by double stamping the image.  Great technique. 

LNS Spring Treasure Hunt Blog Hop

Hi Everyone.  Thanks for being so loyal and hanging in there this past two months.  I’m happy to announce I’m finally out of my blogging slump. I'm feeling better now that my six week winter cold has finally ended (fingers crossed here) and recovering from the loss of my dog Murphy. 

In fact, I'm feeling like heading back to my sadly neglected stamp room which means life is getting better. So let's get on with it by welcoming in March 1st!

Along with my new-found enthusiasm I'm also happy to announce the start of the Late Night Stamper’s Spring Treasure Hunt Blog Hop!

If you haven't played the LNS Treasure Hunt before then this is a fun opportunity for you to check out some great LNS blogs and be entered to win a grand prize of $150 in Stampin' Up! products offered by Sherrill Graff of LNS as well as a prize from me. If you've played before welcome back, I know you'll enjoy this new hunt too. What an exciting way to start the month?

Here’s how to play and the important stuff! 

• Visit my LNS Treasure Hunt Page and search the blogs that are listed for treasure hunt clues. All participating blogs* will have a picture of the  treasure chest pictured above and a picture of their clue posted. 

• When you've found the clue, write down what it is and which blog you found it on  

• You’ll have from March 1st to May 12th, 2013 to collect 50 clues. 

• Once you've collected 50 clues, email them to me.  Every correct entry I receive will be entered in Sherrill’s drawing on May 15th as well as my drawing on the same day. 

So don't delay, start blog hopping today. Contest ends May 12th at midnight PST so the winner can be announced on May 15th

*Note:  On March 1st there were only 31 LNS members registered for the bloghop, although we are anticipating more to sign up over the next week.  When I receive news of new participants I will update the Participating Blog List, so please come back and check the bottom of my list for new participants. 

So let's get things started here’s my clue: 

Clear Block Bundle

Clear Block Bundle  

If you stamp with clear-mount stamps, you'll need a clear block to adhere your stamps to. Stampin' Ups! blocks are a clear choice. They're made from high-quality, sturdy acrylic and these blocks can hold one stamp or multiple stamps if you want to create a collage of images.

You can save 15% when you buy clear blocks as bundles. Start with the Clear Block Starter Bundle (Item 129851 Price $26.95) which includes the most popular blocks: C, D and H. 

Or if you're like me and have to have them all, try the Clear Block Bundle which includes all of the blocks from A – I (Item #118491 Price $89.95). See PAGE 7 IDEA BOOK AND CATALOGUE for block sizes.

Our Hearts Are Broken

Sorry I haven't posted this week, it's been an extremely difficult one for my DH and I and blogging has been the farthest thing from my mind.  

On Monday we put our sweet baby Murphy to sleep.  At just over 13 years old Murphy had been in a gradual slide since Christmas.  He'd developed Cushing's Syndrome in the past year and the symptoms were catching up to him.   

In early December Murphy lost his vision and he was at risk for falling off the bed and down the stairs. Poor little guy, he couldn't find his way around the house any longer.  Then when his hearing started to go too, his confusion became worse.  We often came to his rescue when he'd wandered into a closet or was stuck in a corner and couldn't figure out how to turn around.  

One of the symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome is a ravenous hunger and let me tell you we just couldn't seem to satisfy his need for more food.  He would whine and yelp for food long before his normal feeding time, and nothing would quiet him but the "food".   His constant desire to eat resulted in a major weight gain.  He gained eight pounds since October.  This tremendous weight gain stressed his joints and his little legs were having difficulty supporting him and he no longer wanted to go for walks.

Another issue was his frequent need to urinate, often in the house and without any warning.  Poor little guy he would never have accidents when he was healthy.    

So as Murphy's health declined, we were forced to make one of the hardest decisions of our lives. We went through a lot of what ifs and soul searching,  but we knew it was time.  We were able to stay with him right to the end and he went quickly and peacefully and that's all we could ask for.  

Our little Murphster was just the light of our lives and made every day so special.  He went every where with us and was always such a good boy. I'm sure he had more friends in the neighborhood than we did, as everyone knew his name.  Everyone he met loved him.  He was one of those special little characters.  And, from the outpouring of love and support we've received this week from friends and family we know that he touched many lives.  We're missing him so much, but at peace because we know he's no longer suffering.  
 

This picture taken at Christmas was just before he went blind.    We're so happy our friend was thoughtful enough to take it and to share it with us.  

Sent With Love - February 1st Promotion

February 1 - April 30, 2013

February is off to a great start with another exclusive promotion from Stampin' Up!  

This one introduces the  Sent with Love Stamp Set and Designer Series Paper available only from Feb. 1–Apr. 30, 2013.  Think this set is only for Valentines?  Well you're wrong.  With this set you can use the Sent with Love product suite to make an array of travel-themed projects all year long!

During this limited-time offer, you can purchase this exclusive Sent with Love Stamp set or Sent with Love Designer Series Paper or in a bundle that includes Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine for 20% off!  
 
The Ordering Details:  Check Out the Flyer Here

Sent with Love Stamp Set (clear-mount; English only) $21.95  Item#132182

Sent with Love Designer Series Paper 

$13.50  Item #132851

Pretty Bundle Includes the Sent with Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love

Designer Series Paper, and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine  for  $31.50   Sent With Love Bundle Item #132851 -- 20% off retail value! 

Sent with Love Digital Kit  In addition, you may purchase the Sent with Love Digital Kit (item #132914 for $12.50), however the digital kit is not included in the bundle.

The Fine Print:

• You can order on-line, at a workshop, through me on a customer order.
• You can purchase as many stamp sets, Designer Series Papers, or bundles as you'd like! There are no limits. 
• You don't have to do anything special to take advantage of this special offer-shop away! 
• The Sent with Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series Paper, and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine are all available to be purchased separately. But why would you do that when you can buy all three together and save 20 percent?
• The Sent with Love Digital Kit is not available as part of the bundle.
• The Sent with Love Stamp Set and Sent with Love Designer Series Paper are exclusive to this special offer so you won't be able to get them after April 30, they'll both fly away!

Best of 25 Years

"Best of" 25 Years Stamp Sets

As part of Stampin' Ups! 25-year Anniversary Celebrations, they're bringing back some of your favorite Stampin' Up stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 stamp sets.  

Every month a  new "Best of" stamp set will be released.  That's right, one set per month during 2013.  Each set will include some great classic images in the “Best of” set, and one never-before-seen image!  How cool is that!  

Today I've started a page on my blog called "Best of 25" and you'll be able to check out the monthly flyers and "how too's" here each month after I've posted the information and links in my regular blog post.

Stuff You Need To Know:

♥All "Best of" stamp sets will include 3-5 images, including a never-before seen image, and will be priced at $17.95.

♥While Stampin' Up is releasing just one "Best of"  stamp set per month all of the "Best of" sets will be available until March 31, 2014.

♥A new flyer will be released every month for each new "Best of" set and each stamp set will have a different theme.

♥All "Best of" stamp sets are only available for use with your Clear-Mount blocks.  

♥As a special incentive to collect the "Best of" stamps, a collector’s card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker will accompany every "Best of" set.   If you collect six stickers on your collector card, you will be able to redeem the card for a FREE set of your choice valued up to $17.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.

Hang on to your 25-Year Proof  of Purchase sticker that will come with your order and adhere it to your Stampin' Up Collectors card which will be included with each stamp set. Put this card somewhere safe while you're collecting stamp sets so you don't lose it.  When you fill up your card with  proofs of purchase you will be eligible to submit your card and choose a FREE stamp set of your choice valued to 17.99. 

January's Best of Stamp Set - Birthday Theme:

Click here to check out January's Flyer:

Highlighted stamp in yellow is the "never before" released stamp in this set.

February's Best of Stamp Set - Love Theme:

Click here to check out February's Flyer:

If you want more information contact me to order this set, and be sure to watch for a new set each month.  

Penny Tokens 
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator 
email:  pennyhanuszak@telus.net

Sale-A-Bration Product Highlights: Day Six

January 22nd to March 22nd, 2013 

So, if you're a "Digi Girl or Digi Guy" Day Six of my Sale-A-Bration flyer tour is all about MDS Digital Products and it's a great FREE choice for you.  There are actually two digital offerings:  

1.  Lemonade Stand Digital Disc Item #130677:
This digital disc is amazing.  Here's what you get:

• 65 piece stamp brush set, which includes 7 Designer Series Papers and 14 embellishments,
• 12 greeting card templates and 12 one-page scrapbook templates
• Color coordinates with: Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake and Crushed Curry

2.  One Big Sale-A-Bration 2013 
Digital Disc Item #130676:

This is the disc for you if your want everything from the SAB flyer.  Here's what's included on this disc:

• All the SAB products in digital form with the exception of those additional 6 annual catalogue images shown on the notebook page.
• 7 stamp brush sets,
• 12 designer series papers
• 24 embellishments
• 1 punch shape
• 2-page template (including 3 stamp brush set, 5 embellishments and 3 punches)

Coorindating colours:  Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand, Summer Starfruit, Tangerine tango, Whisper White.  

So that all sounds pretty fantastic.  I purchased MDS 2 earlier this year and I think I'll have to get one of these discs or maybe both to use with my digital system.  In case you haven't had an opportunity to check out MDS here's a link and some information on the 30 day free trial offer. 

MDS2Free Trial Item # 130910

Express yourself and impress your friends when you create projects using MDS 2, My Digital Studio’s digital design software.

With the FREE 30-day trial, you’ll get:
* Full access to the software at NO COST for 30 days
* Full access to design tools to create cards, photobooks, calendars, and more
* Full access to a sample of exclusive artwork from MDS 2+
* The chance to buy additional downloads that you can keep after your trial expires
* Ability to order your projects from our professional print services

To see it all go to: http://bit.ly/MDS2FreeTrialArtwork

To use the software more than 30 days, buy MDS 2 (software only)or MDS 2+ (software plus $500 in content).

LINKS TO OTHER 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
6. MDS 2 Free Trial Offer 

Click Here to Visit My On-Line Store 

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

Penny Tokens

Sale-A-Bration Product Highlights: Day Five

January 22nd to March 22nd, 2013

Wow we're already at Day Five of our product tour in the Sale-A-Bration flyer and I have two more exciting products to share with you!

  Petite Curly Label Punch and Pretty Petites Stamp Set - a match made in heaven:

Petite Curly Label Punch:

I can't resist buying punches and this uber cute "Petite" Curly Label Punch is no exception.  Images are 3/4 by 3/4, just the perfect size for those small areas you want to put a sentiment in.  And, the truly great thing about this punch is that it's going to be around after SAB.  Yeah!!!

Another great thing about the Petite Curly Label Punch is that it coordinates with another great stamp set called Ciao Baby in the Spring Mini Catalogue see page 16.  

Item Order # 129405 can be your FREE Choice from the SAB catalogue with a $60 purchase (before shipping and tax).  


Pretty Petites Stamp Set  

Just look at these yummy little sentiment stamps!  Wow I love them!  You get eight with this promotion which gives you a lot to work with.  They come in wood or clear mount and are available in English, French and Spanish.  So cute.  Note:  The clear block (c) that is seen in this picture has to be ordered separately.  It can be found on page 7 of the annual catalogue.

Item # 129639 (wm) or #129642(cm).  This beautiful stamp set can be your FREE choice with a $60 purchase before shipping and taxes.  Or, if you want to get both the Petite Curly Label and Pretty Petites set you need to spend $120.00.

click here 

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LINKS TO OTHER 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

CLICK HERE

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

Penny Tokens