Retired List

The Retired List for the Fall/Winter 2007 Catalog is out. Go to the Stampin' Up! website (www.stampinup.com) to get the list! I tried to get the link posted but as usual I am having computer/blog issues. The accessory list comes out on the 10th. Remember you only have until the end of December to order anything from the retired list or they are gone! Call or e-mail me if there is a stamp set that you want!

First Meeting of the Stampers 30 Club

We had so much fun tonight! There is nothing better than spending the evening stamping, laughing and snacking on lots of chocolate! :) We made the covers for our Technique Flip Books. At each monthly meeting we will be learning a new technique and will add the instructions into our books. We also learned the basics of embossing and embossed a Christmas card using the Wonderous Gift set.

The fun thing about the Stampers Club is that it is much more relaxed than a normal workshop. We can take our time and each person can make their project unique and original. It was so much fun to see what each person came up with. Each project was as unique as the person who made it.

I cannot wait until our next meeting and I already have a new technique and project in mind for us to learn! See you next month!

Home Again!

I made it home from Portland Regionals with so many new ideas I scarcely know where to begin. Not a bad thing though. We spent all day learning new techniques, ideas and made all kinds of great cards. Even Shelli, the CEO and co-founder of the company was there. I was so surprised. I figured she would be way too busy to attend a regional with only 500 demonstrators. She was the emcee of the event and walked around talking to people and borrowed a few babies as well. I have attached a picture with Dennise (a local demonstrator), Shelli, Becca (my upline) and myself.

Hopefully over the next few days I will be able to post some ideas and upcoming classes (inspired by conference). In case you don't know, I just found out that I am pregnant. It has not been a pleasant pregnancy already and I am having some complications. So if I can't blog at the moment I hope you can understand. Until next time, happy stamping!

Off to Stampin' Up! Regional Conference

Well, it is bright and early this morning and I am getting myself and the kids ready to leave for the weekend of fun and stamping (well the stamping is for me). I am off for my first Stampin' Up! event and I am so excited. I can't wait to meet other demonstrators and come home with lots of new ideas and techniques. Who wouldn't be thrilled over a day of stamping bliss? :) I cannot wait to share what I have learned and pass it on with all of you!

Upcoming Events:
Stamp-A-Stack--Christmas Cards Galare!--October 19th at 6:30pm (my house)

Stampers 30 Club--October 26th at 6:30pm (my house)

Call or e-mail me to RSVP for both of these events.

I apologize for not getting pictures and instructions up for the boxes I made at Lisa's workshop. Hopefully once Conference is over I can settle down and get them on the blog. I also have some cards I would love to share with you all that I have made recently. So check this week for new stuff and ideas from Conference!

Pumpkin Patch Scrapbook Pages

I finally got myself almost organized! Yeah! So I decided to take advantage of my almost clean desk and do some much needed catch up on my kids scrapbooks. I recently bought the Autumn Harvest set from the Holiday Mini. I love the sketched look of the pumpkins, leaves and gourd. It is such a sweet set and one I am sure I will use again and again.

These pages are for my son from our trip to a large Pumpkin Patch last year. I made identical pages (except for a few pictures) for my daughter's scrapbook (making the pages for the same event identical for each one makes it easier for me to catch up). I have been thinking about doing these pumpkin pages for quite a while. It was a lot of work since I watercolored all of the pumpkins and leaves. A bit much I know, especially since I than had to cut them all out. But I am pleased with the results. I hope someone can get some inspiration or an idea from these pages. Have fun scrapbooking!

Color Combination

I have been stamping a bit but not as much as over the summer. The start of school has cut down on my stamping time, but hopefully once we get the routine down I can find more time. Here are three cards I have recently made for some workshops and another project. I love the Chocolate Chip cardstock and all the combinations I can come up with. I used the same color palette for all three cards--Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Soft Sky & Blue Bayou (Loads of Love card only). The stamps sets are--Baroque Motif, Loads of Love and the Snowflake Spot. I also used the vintage brads with each card.

Chipboard Card

I made this card at a fabulous Stamp-a-Stack I attended recently. The idea came from my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator magazine (yet another perk for signing up). I loved the template of the card and the use of the chipboard (which is quickly becoming one of my favorite embellishments). This card was made with the Ronald McDonald House stamp set, Just For You on page 105 in the Fall/Winter Catalog. Enjoy!

Ornament Experiment

I recently purchased the On Board Trimmings Chipboard set from the Holiday Mini catalog. I will admit it stayed in its package for quite a while before I actually opened it. Than I wasn't sure how to use it or what to do with it. Once I got some advice and suggestions on how to use it I decided to give it a try. Now? I love chipboard and cannot wait to see what else I can come up with.

Recipe: On Board Trimmings Chipboard. Paper: Wintergreen Designer Series, Sage Shadow, and Whisper White. Ink: Sage Shadow and Whisper White. Silver Elastic Cord (Holiday Mini), certainly celery ribbon, white embossing powder and Silver eyelets. Tools: Crop-a-dile (of course), sanding blocks, embossing gun and Modge Podge Glue (decoupage glue).

I traced the paper to fit the chipboard and than cut it out (I did use a hobby blade for the scallops). I lathered on the glue (make sure you are in a very well, ventilated room) and placed the paper on top. It takes a few minutes to dry. Once it was completely dry I used the sanding blocks to smooth the paper and the chipboard. Than I just began to create. I had so much fun! I cannot wait until I have a little more time to see what else I can create.

Snowflakes in August

Crazy I know but I just got all my holiday stamps in and couldn't wait to try them out. So tonight I took a moment to get creative. I absolutely love these new In Colors! There isn't a single one that I don't like, well okay, so I wasn't into the River Rock at first, but the more I play with it, the more I love it. Tonight I decided to play with the blues--Blue Bayou and Soft Sky. They look so nice together. So I took out my brand new The Snowflake Spot set and broke it in tonight.

I used Blue Bayou and Soft Sky cardstock for this card. I used Blue Bayou (the Versamark pad would of given the same effect) and Whisper White ink and white embossing powder (I am all about embossing now that I have played with it a little more). I used Whisper White ribbon and vintage brads. Yes I used the crop-a-dile with this one too! I used it to punch a hole in the ribbon so I could get the brad in easier.

The second card was done with Soft Sky, Blue Bayou and Whisper White cardstock. I used Soft Sky and Blue Bayou ink. This is the same stamp set as the first card. It always fun to see how many cards and ideas you can get from one set. I like the simplicity of both cards.

Cutting Kit Answer

Hello ladies! Here is the answer to your question, direct from Stampin' Up! At this time we do not sell replacement parts for the Cutting Kit. Sorry!

My Fabulous, Supportive Husband!

I just have to gush over how incredible my husband is! I had a workshop tonight (I had so much fun, I hope you did too ladies). My husband not only made dinner tonight and watched the kids while I was out working (well, we all know it's more like playing but that's okay). But I came home, expecting to have to clean the kitchen, but all the dishes were done and the kitchen was clean. Just so you know, my husband despises doing the dishes with a passion. I am so grateful his support as I step out in faith and start my own business, it is great to know I have his love and support! Thanks honey!

Wet Your Pants Funny!

Okay, this has absolutely nothing to do with stamping but I would be remiss if I didn't pass it on. If you want a great laugh you have to check out this auction listing on Ebay. The auction is over but the story behind the auction is laugh outloud hillarious!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675&ru=http%25

If you are up for more laughs, than check out this funny mom's blog!

http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com

Emboss Resist Technique Tutorial

It has been driving me crazy! When I did the emboss resist, my emboss turned the color of the pastels. I have learned, not to use pastels but a sponge and classic ink pads. I also forgot to buff the color off of the embossed image with a tissue. Oh, well, it is all a learning process. Maybe I will play around some more tonight once the kiddos are in bed. Anyway, here is an awesome Emboss Resist Tutorial online. It walks you through the steps (with fabulous pictures). I will put up new pictures as soon as I try again.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/embossingresist.php

It feels like Christmas!

I love it when I see that big brown van coming up my street and I know I have a Stampin' Up! box coming. It is so exciting (even if the order is for someone else), it is almost as much fun as Christmas morning.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on my new crop-a-dile. If you have not played with one, you do not know what you are missing. I love the look of using eyelets on cards and scrapbook pages but hate having to pound them into place, it is such a pain. With the crop-a-dile, setting eyelets is a breeze. It is as easy as using a hole puncher. I placed eyelets on my dragon fly card for my upcoming card swap. (I used the pick-a-petal set once again). It took no time at all and the eyelets really finish the cards. The only downside of the crop-a-dile is that my hand is a little too small for it. It is a little hard for me to grip and after doing 30+ eyelets, my thumb was a bit sore trying to hold onto it. It is also a little heavy. But don't get me wrong--it made setting those eyelets an absolute dream. It probably would of taken me an hour to do it with a hammer and set. It only took 20 minutes with the crop-a-dile.

I received all of my color families stamp pads today, which is so exciting. I only had the bold brights before, which is great for summer but with the holidays coming up I really wanted some more colors to choose from. Now I can really start playing with colors and designs. I also ordered some new holiday stamps, from the Fall/Winter catalog and the new mini. They are so much fun and they definately put me into the Holiday mindset. One of the sets I ordered was the Wonderous Gift set which I have fallen in love with, it is so elegant. I have been wanting to try embossing and especially the emboss resist technique. So I had fun playing with my new tools with my always eager daughter and my mom (a fellow, avid stamper).

To emboss resist: 1. Use a versamark or white craft pad to stamp the image on (preferably white paper). 2. Put clear or white embossing powder over the image. 3. Shake excess off into the tray. 4. Heat image with a heat gun until the emboss is set. 5. Use pastels or ink to color or sponge over the embossed image, the white lines will some through and you will see the white embossed image through the other colors. I am sure there are other ways to do this but this is the only way I know of at the moment. If I have missed a step or you know of another way, please let me know!

The emboss resist didn't turn out quite like I had envisioned. But I liked our cards, the first of many cards of the season. Chloe, my daughter, even got into the spirit and embossed a card for the first time tonight, she had so much fun. I will keep working on the emboss resist technique and hopefully I will get it down. But even if it is not perfect, I am very happy with it and I had a blast with the "girls" tonight working on it.

New Promotion!

I am sooooo excited! I started selling Stampin' Up! in May of this year, that is only three months ago. This morning, while I was checking my reports with the company, I just learned that I have been promoted. In three months, I met the sales requirements for a new title in the company. I am now a Senior Associate! I am SO excited. God has blessed this business in ways I couldn't of imagined, not only helping me support my family while I am not teaching but in just having fun sharing what I love!

I also want to thank each one of you who have supported my business over the past three months! Without you I wouldn't be where I am. I hope that you are having a blast with me and learning to use your creative side. So have fun 'playing'!

To celebrate my new promotion, I am offering a $10 gift certificate for the first person who books a class and holds it before August 27th. How much fun is that? E-mail me and let me know if you are up to the challenge.

Stampin' Up! Sign Up Bonus!!

Choose Your Family Promotion

Between Grandma Louise (who drips with sweetness) and your oh-so-suave brother, Vic, you know that in life you can't choose your own family. But at Stampin' Up!, we've found a way to bend the rules so you can!

Purchase the Starter Kit between August 10 and September 30, and you'll get to pick the family of your choice-color family, that is-of Classic Stampin' Pads® FREE. That's a $57.95 value! And we've designed our exclusive coordinating color families (including our In Color collection) so that every color fits in. After all, it's all in the family!

This is such an incredible deal! If you have ever considered selling Stampin' Up! or just signing up so you can get the discount for your own personal use, now's the time to act!

Contact your demonstrator Michelle Webster @ mwebster1979@verizon.net

Pretty Pretty Purses!

I am new to all 3-D paper projects, when I look at other peoples' beautiful creations, I will admit, I am completely intimidated. I think to myself, "Yeah, right and how in the world am I supposed to make that?" Well, today I did. I found a folding template online and played around with it this afternoon. The blue "adorable" purse was my first attempt at any type of 3-D project. The only thing Stampin' Up! was the hole punches and the warm words "adorable" stamp. The cardstock was cheap stuff I had on hand. Not too bad for my first attempt, if I do say so myself.

The pink shopping treat bag was my second attemp. It is the same pattern I used earlier but instead of a purse I thought it would make a great treat sack. The embellishments kept coming from there! Only the stamp set and the black and white checked ribbon is Stampin' Up! The stamps are retired now (but still one of my favorites). I cannot wait until my new crop-a-dile comes in! It will make projects like this a snap! I hope you can enjoy and maybe get inspired! Let me know if any of you would like the template so you can try these projects yourselves.

Monkey Birthday Card

This was one of my first attempts at a card (completely on my own) it was Aidan's Birthday invitation for his party. I was up way too late making it one night but I am pleased with the final result. The stamp set was "Monkey Business". I used a dark brown, textured cardstock (not SU) as the base card. The other cardstock used was Yo-Yo Yellow, Green Galore, and Whisper White. The ink was Yo-Yo Yellow and Basic Brown. I used a basic hemp cord for the vine. This is a tri-fold card, you open the center square to the left and on the insde center was the invitation.

Ladybug Card

Sometimes we get so stuck in a box that we cannot create out of it. I saw this card and thought it was an incredible idea. The stamp set used was "Pick-a-Petal". This set is a variety of petals so you can make a unique flower. But here is a new way of looking at this set and making something new. We used the polka dot petal and the outline petal. The cardstock is Real Red, Basic Black, and Whisper White. The ink is Real Red and Basic Black. We used the smallest hole punch and a larger one for the body and the scallop look at the bottom of the inside of the card. The "Warm Words" set was used for the word "adorable".

Stampers 30 Club

Join today, don’t delay!
September 2007 – June 2008

As a member of the club, you get to come to exclusive club workshops once a month to learn NEW stamping techniques, use my supplies and make free projects! As a member, you agree to purchase a minimum of $30 of stamping supplies per month (two people may share a membership, but the hostess benefits will be shared as well). This club will run from September 2007 through June 2008.

Why would you want to join?
☺ This is a great way to build up your supplies gradually. Soon you will have a great collection of stamping products!
☺ Everyone gets their turn to be “hostess.” This means you collect the HOSTESS BENEFITS!! You’ll get at least one exclusive hostess stamp set plus $35 in free product on your hostess month.
☺ You will be learning a lot of new techniques and tricks, plus collecting patterns and ideas. (If you ever can’t make it to the club workshop, just call in your order to me by the date of our workshop and I will send along anything you might have missed.)
☺ When you sign up for the club, you receive not one, but TWO Idea Book and Catalogs (the current one and the new one that debuts in January)! (That’s a $20 value!)
☺ You will receive a 20% discount on all my other classes.

e-mail me at mwebster1979@verizon.net to join. Hurry space is limited and slots are filling up fast!!

Stamper's Showcase

Hello all! I started this blog so I can showcase some of my best stamp artwork and even some of my worst (just so you can see it is not about perfection, it is about having fun . I also would love to showcase some of my customers' projects as well. So hopefully over time, this blog will become quite a gallery. Enjoy.