StampWithFlair

Bella's Bloom samples

Hello everyone! Just wanted to pop in and show you a couple of the cards we'll be making in the Bella's Bloom class on July 7. This is one of the stamp sets I purchased quite a while ago, but never took time to play with. It's a simple little set, but there's plenty of things to do with it to get LOTS of different looks.

Each one of the cards uses a fun technique or accessory that gives it some extra pop.

 

This card uses one of the Big Shot dies to make the flower accent.

 

This card has some embossing.

 

This sample uses the scallop circle punch and the designer label punch to highlight the greeting.

 

This is just a few of the cards we'll be making. Hope you like them, and want to come over and join me for this class! The cost is only $22 and includes your own Bella's Bloom stamp set and a pack of 20 notecards with envelopes. You'll go home with 10 handstamped cards, your stamp set and 10 extra notecards and envelopes to continue creating with. If you can't make it to class, but still want to participate, contact me. I can either get a kit together for you with all your supplies, or we can plan a special date to get together with you and a few friends to do the class when it's convenient for you.

You must preregister and pay the class fee no later than June 27 so I can get everything ordered and prepared. Hope to see you soon!

Time to Catch Up

Hello everyone, (if there's anyone out here who even checks in on me anymore)! So sorry I've been absent for so long. Now that the kids are home from school, and there's a break in homework afterschool activities and projects, I'm planning to doing a better job of updating this blog on a more regular basis. I'll do my best anyway!

I have taken some time this week to sit down with my calendar and plan in some stamping classes and projects that I'm hoping all of you will enjoy. If you're not interested in all the personal info, just scroll to the bottom to find out what's in the plans for stamping.

Let me catch you up on some of the things that I've been doing the past couple of months.

There have been some fun, exciting track meets every weekend and even a couple during the week for the oldest two. Their biggest fan, that would be me, had a blast cheering them on at every meet.

 

Taylor did a great job in the 300m hurdle races. Improved his times in every race.

 

Coach Denny put him in some of the relay races - 4x400m and 4x800m and he did AWESOME. Their 4x800m team qualified for state!

 

Gabrielle set PR's (personal records) in almost every race too. Her speciality is the two mile race. She also ran the one mile and was on the 4x800m relay team. My little girl is in the seventh grade, running on the high school team and going up against the most competitive runners in the region.

 

Gabrielle placed in quite a few races, winning ribbons and medals.

 

She ended up qualifying for state in THREE events - the 4x800 relay, one mile and two mile.

And she came home with two STATE medals! The girls' relay team was 6th in the state meet, and Gabrielle was SECOND - STATE RUNNER-UP - in the two mile race!! I've never seen her smile so big. And her proud mom and dad were smiling too!

 

I've also become the mother of a 16 year old who is now the proud owner of his very own car. . .

 

have given a home to kittens who will be spoiled and loved all summer. . .

 

have been trying to come up with fun, cheap things to keep kids busy and entertained this summer. . .

 

and am feeling very grateful for my family and the little things that we do to have fun together.

Now that I've gone through all of that - on to stamping.

If you haven't received my most recent email about the Last Chance list, you should go to the Stampin' Up! Website to take a look. The list of retiring stamps and accessories is posted and is only available until June 30. Here's the link for the stamps http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Retired_Lists_0609_US_num.pdf

Here's the Decor Elements list that is retiring http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Decor_elements_Last_Chance_List_0609_US.pdf

And here's the latest retiring accessories list. http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/14892.asp This list is first come, first serve. When supplies are depleted, there won't be any more.

Upcoming Stamping Classes

At the request of some stampers, I've tried to mix up the class schedule. Hopefully you'll find some dates that work for you. If you see something you're interested in, but can't make it, please let me know. I'd be happy to add another date for you and some friends, or bring the class to you at another time.

 

Last Chance Open House - Stop in at my house on Monday, June 15 anytime between 2-4 p.m. or 7-9:30 to make some projects that use stamp sets that will be retiring. This is one of the cards you'll be making. The other projects are still a surprise! You can also shop through all of my other retired stamps, paper and accessories to get some great bargains. Stamp sets will be 1/2 off the marked price. New Idea Book & Catalogs can also be pre-ordered for $5. Bring a friend along and you'll receive a special gift. Please rsvp so I can have supplies ready for everyone.

Summer Fun in June - Host a stampin' party at your home, or hold a catalog/online party and earn bonus hostess benefits.

• Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Things to Remember:

• Customer, Online, and workshop order types qualify for this promotion. 
• Hostesses may use their additional hostess free merchandise on any regular catalog or mini catalog merchandise.
• Order deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2009; 6:50 PM (MT) 

Bella's Bloom Class - This class will include a Bella's Bloom stamp set (pg. 83) and a pack of notecards with envelopes. You'll make 10 beautiful cards with coordinating envelopes, and have the leftovers to take home with your stamp set to play some more! Cost is $22. Must register no later than June 27. 

New Catalog Craziness - Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m. - noon & Friday, July 17, 7 - 9 p.m. Come and try out some of the new stamp sets, ink colors and papers. Please register by July 13.

That's enough info for now. I'll be back with more soon!

Michelle

 

Here comes Peter Cottontail. . .

Getting ready for Easter and all the goodies! Here's a couple of the projects that we made at last week's Stamp A Stack.

 

A nice, tall milk carton-style box that will hold lots of chocolate. The little bunny stamp is a retired stamp set - Springtime Smiles. 

Here's a cute little basket that would be a perfect party favor.

  

Couldn't find my Easter grass, but that would add some more fluff. The basket is made with a 6x6 piece of Designer Series paper. Score at 2" and 4" both ways, and then score diagonally from point to point without scoring in the center square. The "Yummy for your tummy" stamp is from the Sale-A-Bration set - Yummy. I know I"ll have lots of uses on projects to come with that!

Hope you enjoy these projects. Have fun!

Spring-y cards

Now that spring has sprung, I thought it was time to pull out the stamping stuff and make a couple of spring-y cards. Making your own cards is always fun, and they are always appreciated. Just think how much more they'll be enjoyed if you add a little surprise inside!

Here's the outside of the first card.

This card has a simple extra piece of cardstock folded and glued inside to make an image pop up.

 

Simple, but oh, so cute! 

This card uses a new stamp set - Cheap Talk. I love the little birds!

 

And here's the cute surprise inside:

  

To make this spring-y pop up feature, I punched a 1 3/4" circle of cardstock, and cut it into a spiral about 1/8" thick all the way around. The ends were attached to the top and bottom of the card with sticky strip, and it springs open when the card is opened. Flowers and birds were attached to the spiral. Too cute!

Quick project and More stamps for sale

 

Here's a few more stamp sets that I have for sale. This is All Year Cheer II 

 

Here's a quick project the kids and I made for my husband for Christmas. It's still sitting here, waiting for him to remember to take it to work for his office, so I thought I'd show it to you. Found the frame at Hobby Lobby on clearance because it had a chunk missing. A little paperclay and paint fixed that right up. Taylor helped me tack the wire to the back of the frame. Then I stamped and inked some chipboard frames to hold the photos. Clips fit right through the squares and photos can easily be changed out and updated. 

  

    Hubby spends so much time at work, trying to make ends meet, that now we can hang out in his office with him in spirit. Pretty cute, huh?  Now, if only he'd remember to take us with him!

Button, Brad & Flower Swap

Hello everyone!

If you've seen the new Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog, you may have noticed all of the pretty new accessories. The corduroy buttons especially caught my eye. So, if you're like me, and you'd like to have it all, but the pocketbook doesn't allow it, I'm organizing a swap. If you purchased all of the below items, you'd spend almost $52 plus s&h. This way, you can get a little bit of several items AND save lots of money. Cost will be only $15 per person, and I'll include a cute jar for you to store your new goodies in.

Here's what you'll get:

Pumpkin Pie corduroy buttons (6) pg. 176
Kiwi Kiss corduroy buttons (6) pg. 176
Pacific Point corduroy buttons (6) pg. 176
Designer Brad Flowers (8 - two of ea. color) pg. 175
Flower Fusion felt flowers, pink/chocolate/blue asstmt - (32 of asst'd colors and sizes) pg. 177
 
  
 
Contact me if you'd like to participate in this swap. I'll get everything ordered as soon as I have four swappers. Thanks!

A few retired sets for sale

Hello everyone! Today I wanted to show you a few of the retired stamp sets that I have for sale. I'm trying to clear out some space in the basement to give my hubby some more space in his workroom. I'll be listing some stamps occasionally, so check back for great deals. Most of these sets I've marked down to at least 50% off their original price.

 

Ginormous Flowers, set of 6, Orig. price - $28.95

Sale price - $12

 

Warm Words, set of 8, Orig. price $20.95

Sale price - $8 

 

Alphadots, Orig. price $26.95

Sale price $13 

 

Greetings Galore, set of 8 Orig. price $26.95

Sale price $10 

Contact me if you're interested. First come, first served! More tomorrow.

Ta, ta! Michelle

Desktop Calendar class

Hello everyone! Thanks for stopping by. With the new year, probably like many of you, I've got a list of things that I'm working on to clean up, clear out and start fresh. One of the basic things to do was create a new calendar for my desk. I've made one using the Create-A-Calendar kit that's in the holiday mini catalog. Here's what I did with it.

 

Here's a few of the inside pages that were stamped. All of the pages were then bound with my Bind-it-all machine. 

  

  

  

I like having the lines below the calendar so I can write specific goals or to-do lists for each month, and keep them right in front of me on my desk. Would you like to make one of these too? I'm planning to hold a class on Friday, Jan. 23 for anyone who would like to make one. Cost is only $10 for the class and includes everything you'll need. Contact me right away to register for this. Deadline is Jan. 12. 

Lots of items on sale

Item #	Product Description	Availability
111377	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782	ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12	Not Available
104188	ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384	ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516	ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381	ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977	BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978	BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981	BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446	BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445	BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604	DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174	DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963	ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523	ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104	ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298	ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695	ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115	ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372	METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925	ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190	ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180	ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086	ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923	PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942	PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943	PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273	PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389	PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391	PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE	Not Available
104830	RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829	RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828	RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831	RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037	RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282	RUB ON ANCHORED
111806	RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805	RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417	RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283	RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016	SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647	STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813	WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
107212	MATEYS MAP
106749	BRIGHT BULBS
109672	BRONCO
104100	MAKING TRACKS
108978	SANDY SHELLS
110332	SNOW
101233	SNOWFLAKE
109694	SWEET STARS
111249	TAKE A NUMBER

*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Here's the list of accessories and wheels that are retiring from the Fall/Winter catalog. The main thing to remember is that quantities are limited. So, hurry because when it's gone, it's gone forever.

The other big news is that SU! is offering a sale on the following items. Many are up to 50% off!

Items retiring from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109190	180	On Board 9" x 9" clipboard	$7.95	$5.99
107925	181	On Board Bitty Book	$9.95	$6.99
105384	183	Mellow Moss 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$19.95	$14.99
105381	183	Real Red 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$19.95	$14.99
103977	187	Bold Bright buttons	$6.95	$4.99
104389	188	Double Circle punch	$5.95	$4.49
114447	n/a	Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit	$49.95	$24.98

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog

Retired items from the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109013	163	Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109012	163	Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109011	163	Purely Pomegranate Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109010	163	River Rock Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109009	163	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109014	163	Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109179	178	On Board Ginormous Pieces	$14.95	$10.99
109189	190	Beachfront Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$7.99
109187	190	District Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$7.99
109188	190	Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.49
109185	190	Jersey Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.99
109184	190	Sherbet Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.99
109186	190	Theater Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.49
109062	191	River Rock double-stitched ribbon	$8.95	$6.49
110716	191	Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon	$7.95	$5.49

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalog

Current products appearing in the upcoming Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
111349	162	Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" x 11" card stock	$5.50	$4.49
111345	162	In Color (2008-2009) 12" x 12" textured card stock	$11.95	$8.99
109110	185	Fire Circle Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
109112	185	Fire Square Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
109113	185	Ice Square Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
111325	185	Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware	$29.95	$22.49
112454	185	Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware	$29.95	$22.49
113451	n/a	20th Anniversary Embosslits die	$11.95	$9.49

*Quantities at reduced price are limited; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog

Contact me if there's anything that you'd like to order. Have a great day!

Michelle

Big Shot gift card holder

 

We all have them - people who are hard to buy gift for, don't we? Gift cards are a great solution, right? The only problem then, is how to wrap them. Here's an easy solution using - you guessed it - the Big Shot. 

  

The Top Note die has really come in handy for all sorts of projects. On this one, I made my card base by folding the card stock, and making sure the fold was below the top of the die. Then I took another top note and cut it about 1/2" above and below the center point to give me two pieces for the outside and the pocket inside. A little stamping, glitter and ribbon and you've got a pretty package for your gift card. Don't you wish that gas card was yours? Nah - it's already been used up - just a prop. All of the stamps are from the Winter Post set in the winter mini catalog. 

Thanks for looking in on me! Michelle