Monday, October 28, 2013

Small Stamp Lay-out: Halloween or . . .

Dasy Lay-out for small images like Stampin'UP!'s Halloween Hello or Lacy and Lovely
Do you ever feel challenged by your small stamps on cards?  Its easy to create a card with a large stamp because a large image makes a great focal point. But sometimes the small stamps are too small to use alone. Here's an easy lay-out that works well with small stamps.

The top card uses a small flower image and sentiment from a set called Lacy and Lovely found on 117 of the Annual Catalog.  

The Halloween images on the second card are from a new stamp set called Halloween Hello on p 20 of the Holiday Catalog

Do you like that little dotted scallop trim piece on these cards?  That was made with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. Its a subtle touch - I could have just edged it with the straight paper, but that dotted scallop really adds a nice finished look. 

Stampin'UP!'s Dazzling Details adds sparkle
 Another good finishing touch is to add some sparkle.  The sparkle on the flowers on the top card was done with Stampin'UP!'s glitter glue: Dazzling Details.  This stuff is so easy to apply from the squeeze bottle. 

The squeeze bottle application of the Dazzling Details gives you really good control. You can make fine thin lines or you can "mound it up" in a dot. What I did here was use the tip to spread in out in a thin layer on the petals. 

Stamped candelabra image from Stampin'UP!'s Halloween Hello set colored with markersAnother way to add an extra touch is to color the images with a marker.  The candy corn on the Halloween card is obvious. But if you look closely you'll see I colored the candle flames too.  Its a small thing, but it adds a subtle, more finished look.

And this photo also give a good close-up of the Dotted Scallop Trim. 

The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch is one of my favorite punches.  Have you seen my video on how to use this punch to make a medallion?


 Thanks for stopping by



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Cut and Ready Card Bases - Pre-Scored and Ready to Use

Stampin'UP!'s Cut and Ready Card Bases

Just in time for the Holidays! Packages of 20 cards . . . pre-cut and pre-scored. 
The perfect time savers when you're in mass production mode.

Here's a  pretty fall card made on a vanilla base.  I posted this last fall with a general greeting.  But now with these pre-cut and pre-scored Cut and Ready card bases I'm thinking of switching it up with a Thanksgiving greeting to send to all my family.  

Fall Card made with Stampin'UP!'s Gently Falling Stamp Set and Acrylic Block Background Technique

The Cut and Ready cards will make it quick and easy to make a whole bunch of cards all at once. This card is made with a set called Gently Falling, which is one of the sets on sale for 25% off this week.  Download the entire list of 25 sets on sale HERE.

Hmm . . . now, for Christmas do I go with the pistachio or the red?  Or maybe the Crumb Cake?  Or do snowflakes on the blue?  What do you think?

Happy Anniversary Stampin'UP! - Celebrating 25 years on the 25th of October!
Whats the best way to celebrate?  With a sale of course.  Or how about 2 sales!

Have you seen the List of 25 stamps on sale for 25% off?
**This special goes through Oct 28th.  

**Download the list of stamp sets HERE (pdf).
Any Workshop order during October that is at least $250 will earn an Extra $25 of hostess benefits.
Do you have any friends who'd like to get together and Stamp? Why not get together this weekend and put in a group order before the end of the month?
**Book Parties count too.
**And of course, if you  place a customer order of at least $250 you will get Hostess Benefits AND the extra $25 of product. 


Double your savings and include some of the Sale Sets on your order.
  

Contact me with any questions about arranging an event for your friends. I can help you set up your own event or, if you're local, I can come and stamp with you and your friends.

Happy Stamping
and Happy Anniversary Stampin'UP!



Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Birthday Celebration - 25% OFF 25 Stamp Sets

Stampin'UP! 25 Stamp Sets on Sale for 25% off
Stampin'UP! List of the 25 Stamp Sets on Sale for 25% offStampin' Up! is celebrating our 25th anniversary! In the past year you may have noticed the number 25 appearing in most of our promotions. And we are celebrating all year long! But during this week, we are celebrating the actual date the company officially started (October 25th) So its appropriate to pump up the party even more. And what better way than a sale on the very products that started it all: stamps, of course!

Stampin'UP! has selected a list of 25 stamp sets that are on sale for 25% offClick HERE to see the list of 25 stamp sets on sale. This promotion lasts until October 28th. Click HERE to shop now.


Stampin'UP! Deal of the Week: October 22nd 2013

Today is Tuesday so we have a new list of Weekly Deals. Including my favorite: the Cookie Press Stamps. Our family has always made decorated cookies as part of our Holiday Celebrations. Its such a great way to get the kids involved: they can feel like they're contributing to the preparations while having tons of fun. 



$25 STARTER KIT SPECIAL EXTENDED ONE DAY.  Stampin'Up! has just extended the $25 Starter Kit Special through today - October 22nd. You can now purchase the kit and join through 11:50 p.m. Mountain TONIGHT. And with the current Hostess Promotion you get a chance to maximize your Hobby Dollars

$25 Starter Kit Offer - extended through October 22ndI'm not a "gushy" sort of person and that probably comes across in my writing style. So I don't know how much it comes across that I totally LOVE what I do. Whether you just want the discount on product, or if you want to start a business - either way I can definitely recommend Stampin'UP!. Shoot me an email or give me a call 608-220-3450 and I can answer any of your questions regarding the relationship with the company or how much fun I am having doing what I do.  

Are you already associated with a different crafting company?  Are you looking for a new "home" or a different business experience? Stampin'UP! is a great company to work for. 

Click HERE to learn more
Click HERE To JOIN NOW

STAMPIN' UP! COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES POLICY EXCEPTION!
Along with the extension of the $25 Starter Kit, Stampin' Up! is allowing a limited exception to the the Competitive Activities Policy for people interested in becoming a demonstrator.  Anyone who currently is involved in a directly competitive business who signs up with Stampin' Up! between October 21-November 30, 2013 will not need to resign from their former business prior to signing up with Stampin' Up! They will have until December 1, 2013 to decide which company they will represent and by that time will need to resign from one or the other.


Check back tomorrow to see samples made with some of the sets on sale.

--Katie



Saturday, October 19, 2013

A Sassy Salutation for Every Occasion

Don't you just love a fun font?  Check out the font in this set: Sassy Salutations. It looks good in any color and with for any occasion.

This plain lay-out lends itself well to a card that focuses on the sentiment.  And when your words are in such a beautiful font, why not just focus on the sentiment.

A card focusing just on the sentiment still needs a little bling, right?  This card was jazzed up with a little embossing on the lower half with Stampin'UP!'s  Houndstooth Embossing Folder. The embossing is edged with silver glimmer paper.  That gorgeous scalloped edge was created with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.The other decorative piece was made with 2 scallop punches with a black brad in the center. The product that ties it all together is the coordinating satin stitched ribbons

You'll find all the product used to make these cards in my Stampin'UP! Store
**You can pay full price as a customer.  
**Or, when you buy the Demonstrator Starter Kit you could get all your supplies at a 20% discount!
And lucky you, through Monday the Starter Kit is on Sale for only $25!

Are you worried you might not like whats in the Kit?  Trust me, you'll LOVE what's in the kit. I know because you will choose it yourself!  The kit is completely customizable.

If you love Stampin'UP! product then you need to consider this promotion. There's only 3 days left - and really no good reason not to do this.  
  • You lose nothing (in fact,you get a little more than what you pay for)
  • You are not obligated to anything 
And you'll save $1.95 on the purchase plus Shipping is FREE.

Choose $26.95 of product and pay $25 (plus tax).  Click here to join.
When you join you'll get an email from me explaining the opportunities and options of being part of Stampin'UP!  This is an amazing company, its family run and you really feel part of the family.

This offer ends Monday, October 21st so ACT NOW. Call (608) 220-3450 or email with any questions.
Looking forward to talking with you soon

--Katie












Monday, October 14, 2013

Masking Tape Background Technique


Card made with the Masking Tape Technique and the Too Kind Stamp SetHere is an interesting Background Technique - use Masking Tape to transfer the ink, instead of using a stamp. 

The technique is super quick and easy. Just lay regular masking tape directly onto your ink pad - sticky side down.  Then lay the inky tape onto your project. 

**The wetness of the ink  prevents the masking tape
    from sticking to the paper.
**You can really create some interesting
    background patterns this way - especially given
    the fact that Masking Tape is available in such
    a wide variety of sizes.

Do you recognize this "tree" stamp? Probably not, since its NOT a tree!  This is the stem and flower (turned upside down) from the Too Kind Stamp set.  Don't you love finding a new way to use something you already have!

Colors on this project:  Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Soft Sky, Bermuda Bay, Marina Mist
Accessories: Linen Thread, Basic Rhinestones
Stamp Set: Too Kind

Thanks for Stopping By and Happy Stamping





REMINDERS - and - QUICK LINKS:
Shop Stampin'UP! online

SHOP ON LINE: Shop On-line Here Orders ship directly to your house . . . Use hostess Code H62X9PKF to be entered to win Hostess Benefits. Code expires 10/31  

Stampin'UP! Holiday 2013 Catalog Stampin'UP! 2013-2014 Catalog
BROWSE THE CATALOGS: Click on an image to see the Holiday Catalog or the Annual Catalog on-Line
Limited Time Offer: Join Stampin'UP! for only $25
Limited Time Offer - a $25 purchase gets you the Demo Discount This offer expires October 21st
  • Buy the Starter Kit and get your choice of $26.95 of product
  • Pay only $25 (shipping is FREE)
  • Get a Demo Status with FREE Business Supplies
  • Get a 20% discount on all purchases for at least the next 3 months 
  • No Obligation
BEST OF 25 YEARS
To celebrate 25 years in business Stampin'UP! is bringing back some favorite stamp images. They've been combined into 12 sets called the Best of . . .  with one set being released each month. Check the New Best Of Stamp Sets  HERE
Stampin'UP! On-Line Only stamps

ONLINE ONLY STAMPS
** Carryover Stamps (includes some Holiday sets)
** PhotoPolymer Stamps - clear, see-thru polymer stamps
** Single Stamps. - current selection are Holiday Stamps
Stampin'UP! October Hostess Promotion - $25 FREE Product$25 EXTRA HOSTESS BENEFITS IN OCTOBER
when you - or - you and your friends together
order a minimum of $250 during October

Friday, October 11, 2013

Wow: a $25 purchase gets you the Demonstrator Discount

For 2 weeks a $25 purchase gets you the demonstrator discount
Buy $26.95 of product as the "Starter Kit", pay only $25.

This is a FREE TRIAL as a Demonstrator
You'll get the product you paid for, Plus:
Free Business Supplies
and the 20% discount* on all purchases for the next 3 months.
NO RISK - NO OBLIGATION
just $25 to try it and it includes your product

Interested?  Keep reading.
If not, scroll to the bottom to see ideas for 2 cards made with the Too Kind Stamp Set


Stampin'UP!'s Starter Kit Special **Does a 20% discount sound interesting?
**Have you been thinking of becoming a demonstrator?
**or thinking of having friends over for stamping
   and maybe teaching them some of what you know?

 This limited time option was made for you
NO OBLIGATION for anything.
For $25 you get to try it out - AND you get the product. 

Actually, for $25 you'll get $26.95 of product,
plus a 3 month TRIAL of Demonstrator Perks

Why would you not spend $25 to get $26.95 of product
with FREE SHIPPING
and the option for 3 months of a 20% discount???
If you've been thinking of making a $26.95 purchase anyway
then definitely buy it now as the Starter Kit,
pay only $25 and get FREE SHIPPING to boot!
Doesn't this seem like a "no brainer!"?
Offer ends Oct 21st

You may be thinking that $26.95 isn't very much . . . but just look at these 2 cards made with a set called Too Kind.  This is a beautiful 2-Step Stamp Set and its only $14.95 clear mount or $19.95 wood mount.  That still gives you left over money to get some gorgeous ribbon like this Crochet Trim or Linen Thread.

Card made with Stampin'UP! set: Too Kind, a 2-step stamp set  Card made with Stampin'UP! set: Too Kind, a 2-step stamp set

How to access the Stampin'UP! Clearance Rack You can pick your $26.95 worth of product
from 3 different places:

Contact me with any questions
But don't wait - this Demonstrator Trial Offer ends Oct 21st.


*Ahh . . . You noticed the small red asterisk and wondered. Yes, its a 20% discount on all purchases for the next three months.

But it can actually be MORE:
*you get a 30% discount on your first order
  if that order is at least $150 and placed within 45 days.
*and you can combine that 30% discount with the October Hostess Promotion
  for an additional $25 of free product.
Just a thought . . .

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Stampin'UP! Deal of the Week

Stampin'UP! is now offering a Deal of the Week (while supplies last). 

Stampin'UP!'s Deal of the Week, new every Tuesday
When you go to the ordering website just click on Weekly Deals in the left pane.

The deals change every Tuesday.

The sale price shows up when you choose the item to add to your "bag".

So I'm looking at the site today and . . . WOW. There's the curly label punch I used on the Halloween Mask from yesterday's post.

Kinda seems like karma doesn't it?

Normally $12.95 and now only $9.71 while supplies last - or  until next Tuesday.

And I just ordered those Square Framelits - boohoo.  I missed that sale.
It might be smart to just get into the habit of checking the Deal of the Week every Tuesday.

Happy Stamping
and I hope you find some bargins
--Katie

Monday, October 7, 2013

How Long is Your Wish List?

Punch Art Halloween card with Cat and Owl (Stampin'UP! Punches)
Did you ever look at a cute project like this Punch Art Halloween Cat and get just a little bummed because you realize how many different punches and tools it took to make the project - and you just don't have all the tools?

How long is your wish list?  That long - really!?  Have I got a deal for you.  Well . . . OK, not me actually.  Stampin'UP! has a deal for you.

Most people who have a Wish List that's over $100 end up buying the Starter Kit. Why? Because the "kit" isn't really a kit.  You just buy things of your choice until you've used up the allotted amount. The amount is $125 but you pay only $99
...and shipping is FREE which adds to the savings.

Ask Anna, Pat, Rosalia, Staci, and Teri who all just bought the Kit within the last 2 weeks. Only 1 of these 5 people has any plans to be a demonstrator.
The others simply recognize a good deal when they see it.

Hmmm? you ask . . . "But isn't that just for demonstrators?NO, anyone can buy the Starter Kit, whether you want to be a demonstrator or not.  Isn't that cool! Anyone can take advantage of the savings! Anyone can be you!

AND (are you ready for this bonus savings?), the fact that you bought the Starter Kit means you automatically get a 20% discount on any future purchases for the next 3 months.  If you plan to keep reading this post then remember that important fact: 20% discount for 3 full months.

AND (are you ready for this other bonus savings?)  Demonstrators get Hostess Benefits too.  Another important fact to remember if you plan to keep reading.

But what if your list is really, really, really long?  Ahh - that's what we're talking about today. Stampin'UP! currently has 2 specials and if you combine them you can end up getting $340 worth of product for only $200.

That's some pretty interesting math, isn't it?!  So, you ask . . . How exactly do you get $140 worth of amazingly great, super fantabulous Stampin'UP! product for absolutely free.  

HERE'S HOW: 
combine the Starter Kit special 
with the Hostess Special.
Punch art mask for a Halloween Cat

Turn the cat into a Halloween Cat 
by adding a Red Glimmer Paper Mask 
. . . which reminds me of a Mardi Gras mask 
. . . but that's another story.

How to make a Punch Art Halloween Cat with Mask
  • The Starter Kit Special - for the next 2 weeks only the Starter Kit has been reduced to only $25.  So you order $25 dollars worth of product (actually you can go up to $26.95). You'll pay tax but shipping is still FREE.
  • The Hostess Promotion - During October (the whole month) hostesses get an extra $25 free with any $250 order.  . . .  so what if you were the "hostess" for your own "party of 1" now that you're a "demonstrator"? 

    Get it?  Pay $25 for the Starter Kit and get $25 worth of product.
    Pay $175 for the $250 order plus get $40 worth of Hostess Benefits and the $25 October Special.  So you pay $175 to get $315 worth of product.
Are you with me so far?  Lets review the math: 
You've paid $25 + $175 and you get $25 + $250 + $25 (bonus) + $40 (Hostess Benefits)
YOUR state tax and shipping on the actual order will be extra of course.

Now, if you're checking my math then you've noticed a slight discrepancy. You realize that 20% of $250 is only a $50 discount, not a $75 discount.  Oops - I forgot to mention.  After you buy the Starter Kit, you actually get a 30% discount on your 1st order (if its over $150 and placed within the first 45 days).
So again I ask, How long is YOUR wish list... 
... is this the deal for you?  
If so click this button to Join Now

Click Here to Join Stampin'UP! and save $140

Contact me with any questions - by phone (608)220-3450 or email, - but don't hesitate. The opportunity to get $140 worth of Stampin'UP! product for FREE does not come along very often. This deal is only available for 2 weeks and if you wait you'll miss the deal.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Too Kind 2-Step Stamping with Ruched Ribbon

Fall Card with Stampin'UP!'s "Too Kind" Stamp SetYou're almost assured to get a WOW when you use a 2-step stamp set.  Too Kind is an example.  This set has 2 flowers which are intended to be double stamped, or stamped in 2-steps. Stamp the larger flower head in a light color and the smaller flower head in a darker color.  

These flowers were stamped in So Saffron and Crushed Curry.  The combination of browns and yellows is a beautiful fall color group. 

And that little strip of Champagne Glimmer paper adds a real wow.  

Ruched Ribbon and Stampin'UP! Antique Brad on a Fall CardThere are some additional details on this card that make it really special:  the Antique Brad and the "ruched" ribbon. Actually, its Crumb Cake Seam Binding.

To get the ribbon to look like this I laid down a strip of Sticky Red Line Tape and then started at one side with my seam binding. I adhered one end of the Seam Binding, then gathered up the ribbon  into a little loop and adhered again.  I just kept gathering and gluing until I got to the end of the tape.

If you like the look of the ribbon then check out this card with faux snow and this post that explains 4 ways to use ribbons.

The Too Kind Stamp set and all of these supplies are available from my on-line store.

Thanks for Stopping by



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

October 5th is National Card Making Day

October 5th is National Card making day. 

This year, the 5th is on a weekend - super!

And for a little inspiration here is a photo of some cards 
made by one of Stampin'UP!'s graphic designers: Britini

I hope you get to spend a wonderful, relaxing, creating, crafting day. 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Easy Lay-out with Simply Sketched Hostess Set

Card made with Stampin'UP! Hostess Set: Simply SketchedHere is an easy lay-out, done with one of the new Hostess Sets.  This set is called Simply Sketched - and don't you think these simple sketches are simply gorgeous?   

This set has three beautiful images and 3 sentiments in a beautiful script font.  Its so pretty.


Card made with Stampin'UP! Hostess Set: Simply SketchedAnd notice how versatile this set is . . . birthday, sympathy and thanks.  Here is the same card made with each of the three sentiments.

There's one other small difference on these cards.  On the Sympathy card I used a marker to add black dots to the center of the flower. Its one of those easy to do things that makes a subtle but effective difference.

This set is a Hostess Set. Which means its not available for sale, it can only be purchased with "Hostess Dollars".  So, you ask: . . . how do you get these marvelous things called Hostess Dollars?

You have 2 ways to earn Hostess Dollars:
  1. Have a Party that generates at least $150 worth of sale
    **This can be a gathering where people see demonstrations and play with product   
    **Or it can be a "Book Party" where you show the catalog to friends and collect orders
  2. The other way to earn Hostess Dollars is to place an order yourself for $150 worth of product.  You'll still earn the Hostess Benefits just like it was a workshop/party.
Are you wondering what other Exclusive things are available only with Hostess Dollars?
  • Check out the  exclusive Hostess Products in the Annual Catalog on pages 202-205
  • And you'll see 2 more exclusive Hostess Sets in the Holiday Catalog on page 39
And be sure to check the Hostess Benefits chart on page 201 of the Annual Catalog.  If your event sales are over $400 you get to choose an item at half-price - ANY item, even the Big Shot!

Sound good? Liking the idea of FREE STUFF? 
Book a $250 party during October 
and get and extra $25 of product FREE - woohoo!


Check your calendar and contact me today (608)220-3450 to schedule your event. 
Or place your $150  free order on-line here. (order ships directly to your house)(or $250  in October and get the extra $25 of FREE hostess benefits)