Register Now for the Valentine/Heart Card Stamp Camp

Registration is now open for the 2016 Valentine Stamp Camp.  You'll make 10 cards featuring hearts to send as Valentines . . . or . . . you can leave off the Valentine sentiment and substitute with a Wedding or Anniversary sentiment.

 

There will be a variety of projects but for sure one of them will feature
the new "Bloomin Love" stamp set and Bloomin Heart Thinlit Die.

  

Here are a few samples of Bloomin Love and Bloomin Heart projects
that I got as trades at my last demo meeting.

 

 

Check your calendar to see which date works for you. 2 Sessions to choose from:
* Sunday afternoon Feb 7th starting at 1pm - or
* Monday evening Feb 8th starting at 6:30 pm

You’ll make 2 each of 5 different designs. Cards with big hearts, cards with tiny hearts, cards with lots of hearts and one with the Bloomin Heart die. All of them letting you send lots of love!

$15 class fee includes 10 Valentine/Heart Cards with envelopes and a $5 coupon good for a minimum purchase made at the class. No purchase is necessary, but hey, we all love coupons, right.

Grab a friend and register today.
Then check your Wish List to see if you want to use that coupon.

You should probably register now because seating is limited at my house.  

Thanks for Stopping by: Take a minute and browse previous posts. If you see anything you like I'm happy to help you get the product or just to consult and explain further how the project was made . . . its all about having fun with our hobby.

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Texture Emboss Projects For an Extra "WOW"

Looking for a way to "WOW"?

Add some texture embossing. 

Here are some samples to show what I mean.

This first image shows a simple, beautiful way to feature a small stamp as the main focal point. The colors,  Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive are nicely balanced with matching inks and paper colors. The stamp is featured on coordinating punched ovals (the Extra Large Oval Punch and Scallop Oval Punch) and highlighted by a strip of matching paper.

By the way: these 2 cards were part of a series of posts I did on uses for scrap papers. You can read those original posts here.

Now for the "WOW": There's really only 2 differences in the Jazzed up version. The horizontal strip of paper has been punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch and the bottom part of the card has some texture embossing done with one of the Delicate Designs embossing folders (which happen to be on sale this week!)

Everybody loves a sale, right? Did you know that Stampin'UP! has a sale every week!  New items are announced each Tuesday - which has become my favorite day of the week! 

Here are the items on sale this week. They always seem to come up with a nice balance of embellishments, and Big Shot accessories and a digital item.

• Need any stamping supplies? You can shop 24/7 in my OnLine Store
• Be sure to check the Clearance Rack for super deals on retired product.
• Don't miss the Weekly Deals - new product each Tuesday 

I appreciate your business and I'm here to help, contact me with any questions

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you've been inspired

 

New Flip Card Thinlet Dies

Have you seen those cards that flip?  as you pull the two sides apart there is a center element that flips so you can see the back side. They've been called flip cards, flip flop cards or swing cards. To make them you do some fancy partial scoring and partial cutting down the middle of the card. 

Flip Cards have always been a bit tricky to create - but not anymore! Stampin'UP! has just released 2  amazing new Flip Card Thinlits Dies which cut and score to create the flip cards.  I got to see them in action at convention and you should have heard the crowd! They really are amazing.

This 2 minute video shows what I mean about the Flip Cards.

 

I was so excited when they demonstrated these Flip Card Dies at convention.  I just put in my order for the Flip Card dies today so you'll be seeing samples on the blog soon. If you attend the September Stamp-a-Stack on Sept 8th or 9th you'll get to play with them too.  Click here to see the events calendar and register now.

 

BONUS:  each dies cuts lots of other shapes 
that you can use to decorate the cards.

Are you as excited to try them as I am? You don't have to wait for the class.  

You can order your own Flip Card Dies right now.

  * * The Circle Flip Card die is item # 133480

  * * The Label Flip Card die is item # 133479

Celebrate with Pinwheels

Here is another Pinwheel Card.  What words would you put on this card?  Maybe a birthday or party invitation.  Thank-you for a gift.  Or a thinking of you, because you make me happy card. I can see using these on gift packaging too. Wouldn't they look cute on a belly band or cup coozee?  Or how about a fun pencil topper? And did you see Saturday's post? Its a baby card with pastel pinwheels.  Leave a comment below to tell me where you'd use a little pinwheel.

 

I really am having so much fun with this new sizzlet die. Its one of the little flat dies . . . and I mean little! You cut your paper at just 2.25" square. What a great way to use up scraps of designer paper.  If you're like me you have tons of scraps laying around.  Well, here's a cute way to use up some of them!

The die does 2 things: it cuts the shape you need AND cuts the holes for the brad you'll use to hold it together. Of course you could just glue the ends to the center too.  In the card photo above you can see that for this project I added a tiny, sparkly punched flower under the brad.

HINT: I've found the easiest way (for me) to line up the points is to mount them all on my paper piercer.  I start from the bottom and then just bring each corner up and add it to the stack.  Depending on what the finished project is, you can leave the flaps curved or press them flat to fit in an envelope.

Do you have a Big Shot (or other die cut machine)? Would this cute little pinwheel die make a nice addition to your collection of dies and embossing folders? Its item # 129411, and its only $4.95!

Did you  know you can earn rewards points when you shop through my website

**Read more about the Customer Rewards Points
**Shop online HERE

Thanks for stopping by
--Katie

Count Down:  only 15 days to Sale-a-bration

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Shop for Stampin'UP! product HERE Be sure to check the Clearance Rack   you'll find some amazing deals All orders over $25 earn Customer Rewards See the Catalogs:  the Main Catalog  or the Spring Mini-Catalog Call me to get a paper version of the catalogs - 608-220-3450

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Serene Silhouettes with Butterflies

Are you loving the new catalog as much as I am?  The stamp set used on this card is  one of the new sets in the 2012-2013 catalog.  I can't believe how long my wishlist is from this catalog, in my 5 1/2 years with Stampin'UP! I think this is my favorite catalog yet!  BTW: do you have your catalog yet?  If not contact me today to make arrangements to get your catalog to you. If nothing else you'll enjoy looking a it just for the beautiful images.

This card was made with one of the new stamp sets: its called Serene Silhouettes.  The flowers and stems are all one stamp so it was colored with markers.

Other Details:

The Sentiment words are from a set called One in a Million. The front of the card says "over a million people share your birthday . . . " and the inside of the card completes the thought. It says "that makes you one in a million"

The Sentiment layers were created with the Decorative Label Punch (#120907).  Its the SAME punch that made BOTH the white piece and the yellow frame.  Check this earlier blog post to see the trick for making the layers.

Do you like the Colors? This card uses 3 of the new InColors: Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green and Summer Starfruit.

Aren't the Butterflies sweet?  These were embossed and die cut at the same time using Stampin'UP!'s Beautiful Wings Embosslit (#118138).  Embosslits are hinged steel edged dies that emboss and cut at the same time.  The Beautiful Wings Embosslit makes 5 different butterfly shapes and we used the 2 smallest ones on this card.

The embosslits work with any of the Die Cut Machines.  Stampin'UP! sells the Big Shot but they all work on the same principle - the project is maneuvered  through a pair of rollers that puts enough pressure on the paper and die to either distress (i.e. emboss) the paper or to cut through the material.  Stampin'UP!'s choice of the Big Shot as the brand to sell is because this machine is a little larger than some others on the market and thus more versatile in the projects it can handle.

Would you like to learn more about this machine and get some hands-on experience with some of the dies?  This summer I am offering a series of Big Shot classes, each month features a different set of embossing folders and dies.  There is still room if you want to join the June class tomorrow - session 1 starts at 9am and session 2 begins at 6pm.  Call now if you want to join us 608-220-3450.  Otherwise click here to register for the August Big Shot class which will be held  Friday, August 24th.

Thanks for Stopping by

Happy Stamping

--Katie

The Occasions Mini Starts Today!

I'm so excited! The Occasions Mini Catalog goes live today.  Of course as a Demonstrator I've been looking at this wonderful new product for a month and a half and working with my new product for a month. And now I get to share everything with you.  

The new mini has TONS of new product . . . well of course, that's what the mini's are for!

Looks what's new with Stampin'UP! - our own  Framelits - nestable dies by Sizzix. This catalog carries 3 new sets:
  *a Hearts collection
  *a Labels Collection
  *an Edgelits Collection
See them all on pages 6 and 7 of the new mini. This card uses the Labels collection (125598).

And of course there are matching Stamp Sets: check 
  *Take It to Heart on page 14 
  *Apothecary Art on page 24
  *Bordering Romance on page 11

Did you get your copy of the new Mini catalog yet?  If you've bought from me recently you should have been sent one automatically.  Let me know if it hasn't arrived. And if you are not a customer and would like a copy just let me know.  

view the Occasions Mini on-line:  flash version -or- pdf file.  

view the Main Idea Book and Catalog on-line: flash version -or- pdf file.

You'll get your chance to play with the new stuff this weekend at the January Stamp-a-Stack. Are you registered yet?  You can see the full calendar of events and register on-line HERE:

Feel free to contact me with any questions

608-220-3450 or by email

Happy Stamping

--Katie

Big Shot Projects from the December Class

These are the projects we did at the December Big Shot Class. In past Big Shot classes our projects have included both cards and 3D projects. This month all 5 of the projects were 3D projects.

 
You might also like to see the November Projects

What is the Big Shot? The Big Shot is a die cut tool used by paper crafters. This machine is more than a die cut machine, it also embosses designs into your paper.

What kind of projects can you make with this tool?  The embossed paper and die cut shapes can be used to decorate 3D projects as well as to decorate cards and scrapbook pages.  And many of the dies are actually templates that you fold into 3D projects.This machine has quickly become an essential addition to my work room. I use it all the time!

We used 6 different dies this month.

• Three of them are NEW dies which you'll find them in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The Stocking Bigz L Die, the Stocking Accents Originals Die  and the Peek-a-Boo Frames Bigz L Die.
• We also used the Matchbox Bigz XL Die, the Northern Frost Die and the Mini Milk Carton  Bigz L Die .

Can I use these Dies with other Die Cut Machines? You mean like the Cuttle Bug?  Any die will work in any machine it can fit into. The trick is to get the right thickness, the right amount of pressure from the roller onto the paper and cutting edge. As long as the die fits into the "bed" of the machine then you can use it. You may have to play with the layers to get the "sandwich" to an effective thickness. 

The thickness can be adjusted but the width of the die can not.
*The Sizzlets and Originals dies will work in the Cuttlebug.
*The Bigz L and Bigz XL dies are too wide to fit  through the Cuttle bug.
Thats why the serious stamper needs a Big Shot.

Get your Big Shot, dies and embossing folders HERE.  Shop 24/7 for all your stamping and scrapping needs at my Stampin'UP! store.   Whether you are local or long distance you can be confident that I'll be here to answer all your questions.

Was this useful information?  Send your Friend an email link to this article.

Do you still have questions about die cut machines. Email me. I answer all questions, I'm here to help you.

Thanks for stopping by 
--Katie
Here to help you will all your paper crafting!

Make Your Own Seasonal Checkbook Cover

Use your stamping supplies for more than just cards and scrapbooks. Here is a fall themed checkbook cover. The commercially available plastic jackets fit standard checkbooks, notepads or datebooks.

The plastic checkbook sleeves are so easy to decorate. The designer paper used here is from the Frostwoods Lodge paper pack - I love the wood grain look of this paper, it was perfect as the backdrop for the fall leaves.

The leaves were cut with the Big Shot  using the Leaves die (#113459. You may recognize this leaf shape because I used it on the place cards for my daughter's wedding in September. You can see the place cards here.

Stampin'up! has a variety of Designer papers and fabric ideal for your stamping and scrapbooking needs. View the selection on our online Catalog This award wining catalog contains our beautiful stamp sets, papers, embellishments and many other crafting products and tools with multiple samples shown on every page.

Additional papers, including the wonderful Frostwoods Lodge collection, are found in our Holiday Mini Catalog which can also be viewed online.  You'll see all-new, exclusive products perfect for your holiday crafting! Items in this catalog are available September 1, 2011-January 3, 2012.

You'll love all ideas you get from the samples in these 2 catalogs.
There's nothing like curling up in your favorite chair and browsing the Idea Book and Catalog. Contact me for your own paper versions of these catalogs. 

See something you like?  You can buy any Stampin'UP! product 24/7 on line.  

Click HERE to enter my Stampin'UP! store.  

And remember these items make great Holiday gifts too.

Happy Stamping

--Katie

Shrinky Dink Earrings with the Stocking Accessories Die

Here is a quick Jewelry project made with Shrinky Dinks and the Stocking Accessories Die. Start with the colorless Shrinky Dink sheets and cut the shape with the Stocking Accessories Die and your Big Shot. Then sponge green color on one side and punch a hole with a 1/8" hole punch.  Then bake as directed.

Its important to punch the hole before baking because as the plastic shrinks it also gets thicker and would be impossible to punch after baking. I got the earring hardware at Ben Franklin.

Do you work with a Girl Scout Troop or other group of kids? This would be a fun project for them to make Holiday gifts for family and friends. 

The kids would have just as much fun making the packaging as they would making the jewelry. The Bag is Stampin'UP!'s small Cellophane bag. I used a piece of cardstock with 2 holes to support the earrings. The bag top is the Top Note Die folded in half and decorated with the Snowflake Punch, a folded strip of polystitched ribbon and a self-stick Rhinestone. Time-wise this project would fit easily into a scout meeting.

Stampin'UP! Supplies used on this project: 124099 . . . . .  Stocking Accessories Die 103104 . . . . .  3"x5" Cellophane Bags 119852 . . . . .  Snowflake Punch 119263 . . . . .  Poppy Parade Poly Stitched Ribbon 113463 . . . . .  Top Note Die 119246 . . . . .  Self-Stick Rhinestones

Shop for your stamping and scrapping needs here

Happy Stamping
--Katie

My Hostess Gift for November and December

For many people, the Holiday Season is Party Season. While you may be thinking about Thanksgiving family gatherings and Christmas and New Year's Parties, there is a good reason for you to be thinking about hosting a Stampin'UP! "party".

Stampin'UP! has a really great deal for Hostesses for November and December. Between now and Dec 15th, if your party has sales of at least $350 you will earn an extra $35 of FREE merchandise.

Hand-Made Candy Gift Box: I have a gift for you too!  In addition to all the Hostess Benefits from Stampin'UP!, anyone who has a party with me during November and December will receive this Hand Made Candy Gift Box. You can keep it for yourself or use it as a gift for someone else. In fact, when you GO to someone's party, do you take them a Hostess Gift?  Imagine your friends receiving this and imagine their amazement when you tell them you made it yourself!

This box is really easy to make! We did this at the November Big Shot Class.  Monday's post had a group photo of the class projects. To make this project we made 4 match boxes using Cherry Cobbler and the Match Box Die (#114890).

We decorated nuggets and Rolos with designer paper and put 4 decorated nuggets into 2 of the drawers and 6 decorated Rolos into the other 2 drawers. Cut strips 1-1/2" by 2-1/4" for the nuggets and use a 3/4" circle punch (#119873) for the Rolos. It fits the wide end of the Rolos.

We laid the drawers in the patter you see in the photo (there will be a small square in the middle between all the drawers). We used a piece of 4x4 cherry cobbler paper for the bottom and a decorated piece of 4x4 paper for the top. I think the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon looks especially nice here. We used the black (#115615) but Stampin'UP! has 11 different colors of this ribbon (page 195 of the catalog which you can view online) Super Easy Project!

Be sure to check out other great projects made with the Big Shot

Where DO I get my ideas? I hear this from many folks. You may notice in the photo that credit is given to Rachel Durtschi. She is just one of the many talented ladies in my area Demonstrator group. We meet regularly to support each other in our knowledge of the craft and in our business. Would you like to join our group?

You can join our group when you buy the Starter Kit. And if you buy the Starter Kit by the 11th of November you will get an extra $100 to spend from Stampin'UP!. You could even buy the Big Shot! and then you could make this cool project. 

Time is running out on this deal, contact me today with your questions or sign-up online.

  

Yes, buying the Starter Kit means that for Stampin'UP! you are now a "demonstrator". Thats a good thing! Why? because you get access to a whole new world of on-line support from both the company and from me (ask about my exclusive website for people who buy the Starter Kit from me). This is a great way to develop your skills at the craft. You'll also have access to business ideas. On my support website I'll have guidelines for how to start teaching classes in your home for when you are ready to take that step. Yes, I'm in Wisconsin, but no matter where you live - Illinois, Minnesota or California or or New York or anywhere in the US, my downline website will help you develop your stamping skills and potentially start a business. At the very least you'll find ideas for collecting orders from friends and neighbors to help support your hobby. Buy that Starter Kit Today and get the extra $100 from Stampin'UP!. How do you do that? Sign-UP On-Line HERE.

So what should you do?

• Start making gifts for the upcoming Holiday Season
• Host a Workshop before Dec 15th - Get out your calendar and squeeze in a 1-2 hour stamping workshop for friends and colleagues - call me today to schedule your date.  You just might earn and extra $35 FREE!
• Sign-up for the Starter Kit - and get out your catalog to decide how you'll spend your FREE $100

Don't miss the Starter Kit Special (ends Nov 11th):
SIGN UP ONLINE, or contact me with questions 608-220-3450

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Big Shot Projects to Start your Holiday Gift Giving

 Did you miss the Big Shot Class?  These are the projects we made. And yes, they even came with candy.

I chose these projects because they're perfect for Holiday Gifts. Do you give little gifts to neighbors, teachers, coworkers . . . ?  The Big Shot is the perfect tool for making super cute, and super easy projects that really show you care.

Add a little designer paper, some ribbon or linen thread and its totally dressed up. How cute is that little "for you" tag in the bottom photo.

Do you have your Big Shot yet? 
Now is the time you know. And here's why:

First Stampin'UP! has extended the Starter Kit promotion. Anyone who buys the Starter Kit between now and Nov. 11th will get a FREE Big Shot or if you already have a Big Shot you get $100 of FREE catalog merchandise. That means that when you buy the $175 Starter Kit you now get over $440 worth of stuff.

Second:  We are entering the Holiday Season of Gift Giving. With the right cajoling, someone might buy the Starter Kit for you.

And here's another reason to buy the Starter Kit. If you've been following this blog then you know that I just retired from my previous job to do the Stamping Business full-time. As part of my business I intend to support everyone who buys the Starter Kit from me - whether you are local or out of the area. I want you to start out right.

The most effective way to support people who are not local is through the web: So I've started and exclusive, invitation-only web site where you'll find how-to information about techniques as well as how-to information about the business. I intend to make sure that my people are successful whether you are a hobbyist or want a business.  

What's in the Starter Kit? You'll find information on the contents of the Starter Kit on the last page of the catalog, which you can view on-line here.

Join my growing team and join the fun. SIGN-UP to buy the Starter Kit HERE.

Questions?  Please call me 608-220-3450

Happy Stamping
--KatieJohnson

Be a Demonstrator to be a Better Stamper

I invite you to think seriously about the current offer from Stampin'UP! The offer is to join - as a demonstrator - at the regular price, and get either a FREE BIG SHOT or $100 of free merchandise from the catalog. Why should you think about this? One reason is to become a better Stamper. We learn from each other. Look at the pictures running down the side of this post. These represent trades I got at our local demo group last weekend. In other words, I came home with all these cards!  And do you notice that some of these trades are 3D items and some are 6x6 Scrapbook pages. Using them as models in hand will help me improve my skills and be a better stamper.

And if you are not local, you can still get the trades. We had several people trading at this event who were not actually present, they just sent their trades in and will receive all these goodies in the mail.

As a stamper I love having all these ideas IN HAND! I may not own all the stamp sets personally, but when I have these samples it gives me ideas for lay-outs and color combinations to use with the stamps I do own. And I love getting the cards that are cut in an unusual way or have unusual folds. Having those samples to study is so helpful as I make my own projects. As a demonstrator it gives me samples to show to my customers.

If you are worried about where to get customers? 
First of all you don't actually have to have customers. There is a difference between a hobby demo and a business demo. Hobby demonstrators join for the discount. Business Demos join to make money.

Now, if you do want a customer base then just think of the friends you currently give your cards to and show your cards to. Have you ever asked them to come stamp with you just for fun? Have you ever asked them to come to a workshop that you are attending? Have you invited them as a guest to a workshop you hosted? Have you ever asked them if they wanted to add anything to an order you were already placing? 

When you join Stampin'UP! you get so much support. The company itself provides some, but I am there to help you think through possibilities and generate ideas. My success depends on how well I support you. People who sign up with me also have access to an exclusive training website where I post stamping ideas and business ideas.

Joining Stampin'UP! is a growth experience. When I first joined my goal was to become a better stamper. I really was not even thinking about the business aspect. I've certainly achieved that first goal. I'm amazed when I go back and look at the difference between the cards I make now and the cards I was making when I first started.

Gradually as I progressed with my stamping skills my goals changed. For some folks, they develop their skills and find they no longer need the support offered by the demonstrator community and they move on in life. I know several people who started when I did who are no longer demonstrators. For me, the joy of sharing what I do prompted me to change my goals to develop this into a business. Thats where I'm at now.  I invite you to join me in this venture. I can help you meet what ever your goals are.

What ARE your goals? 

• Do you just want to be a better stamper?
• Do you want to join a community of talented stampers?
• Is there a potential business in your future?

For more information about this opportunity visit the Stampin'UP! site
and please, contact me with your questions and concerns (608-220-3450). This opportunity really could be right for you. But get your questions answered NOW because the Free Big Shot or $100 is only for the month of October.

--Katie

Get a Free Big Shot and Join Our Group

Did you know that Stampin'UP! has a special right now. Join Stampin'UP! during October and get a Free Big Shot. Actually there are many good reasons to join Stampin'UP!. In addition to the stamping supplies and business materials you get so much more:

• a company exclusive website with ideas and training materials
•  regional and national meetings
• a demonstrator exclusive magazine
• personal discount on purchases

And by joining ME you also

become part of our local demonstrator group and attend regular training meetings. have access to my exclusive downline website filled with pictures and additional training and how-to's (this website is a very effective way to help service my downline who are not local) I'm so energized about my business right now - Saturday was our Quarterly meeting and I'm always energized and excited after we meet. Its so good to get together with everyone and see what they are doing with their own stamping groups and see the projects they've done with their groups. We shared business tips and project ideas and had a chance to play with new products at the Make and Take tables.

The top picture shows my downline, Mary Ploeser. She was running one of the Make and Take tables. She had this  darling Holiday card made using the new Stocking Builder punch and one of the Big Shot embossing folders.

Look at these cute boxes made with the Big Shot dies. Can you see the cute candy corn table decorations in the background made by my upline Karla Anders. She demonstrated how she made them using the Big Shot and the Petal Cone die. Oh my gosh - it was so easy I have to try it myself.

The 5 boxes in the foreground were made by Lori Verdon using the Mini Milk Carton Die. She showed us how she made them and had written directions for us. This is just one of the advantages of being part of a supportive group of active demonstrators.

If you love stamping and learning new ideas and new ways to use materials then you should join us. You will love our local group of ladies. We meet quarterly as a large group of 20 or so with demonstrators from Dane county and beyond. A smaller, more local group meets monthly. And I am in constant contact with my own downline offering what ever support is needed.  

You work toward your own goals, whether they be stamping goals or business goals. Joining Stampin'UP! will be a growth experience.

• Let me help you develop your stamping skills. 
• Let me help you grow a business.

You will become a better stamper for sure. You can make the business aspect into anything you want it to be. You'll have opportunities to learn and to share your expertise with the rest of the group. I want you to succeed. Whether you want to build your stamping skills or build your business, I am there to help.

Contact me today (608-220-3450) to talk about this opportunity. 

Ask me all your questions. You need to know if this is something that can benefit you.

Looking forward to talking with you soon
--Katie