World Card Making Day Event

I wanted to let you all know that World Card Making Day!! is right around the corner! There will be card making events going on around the world and Whidbey Island is no exception!!! I hope you will join us for this fun, multi-demonstrator event:

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY CHRISTMAS STAMP CAMP

Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2008!!
Time: 11:00AM - 6:00PM (you may not need all that time)
Place: Oak Harbor's Pizza Factory Banquet Room (Ault Field Rd.)
Cost: $25 to attend and you will make 10 cards or projects of your choice!
$2 for each additional card or project
$10 for 6 cards or projects
**No discount for this event since it is a multi-demonstrator event.

We will be making beautiful Christmas cards and ornaments at this event. Highlighting a variety of Stampin' Up! products including the brand new Big Shot. Call or e-mail me to RSVP for this fun, not to be missed event!!

I Want Your Opinion!!

Okay, the new catalog has been out for a little while. I want your opinion! What are your favorite stamps? Paper? Ideas? Do you like the new Hodge Podge Hardware? What ribbon are you dying to get your hands on? What do you want to buy first? PLEASE leave a comment and let me know what you think about the new catalog. If you haven't seen it yet, go to my sidebar where you can download it and look! I can't wait to see what you think so I hope you will share your likes and dislikes with me.

Happy Stamping!!

Stamping Is a Family Affair

Stamping is a fun family activity in our house. The two oldest love to draw, color and stamp. They get so excited when Mom breaks out the stamps. My brother's mother-in-law recently had a stroke and the kids wanted to make her get well cards. So here are their masterpieces.

Here is my 6 year olds card. I was pretty impressed. She did all of the punches herself although she did need a little help lining up the scallop. She did a great job!


Here is my 2 year olds card. He is just excited to do anything his big sister is doing. He pushed down the the stamps (once Mom positioned them on the paper) and colored away.


Stamping is such a great activity for kids! It helps with their hand-eye coordination, creativity and social skills. It is fun for mom too! I love sharing my hobby and business with my kids.

Ode To A Stamper!!

I just found this poem (it's amazing what you can find while surfing the web) and just had to share it with you. My husband would get the biggest kick out of this. When I get into my stamping zone, forget it, nothing else exists.

Ode To A Stamper

(Author Unknown)

She learned to stamp on Monday
Her embossing was quite fine.
She forgot to make us dinner
So we went out to dine.

She brayered backgrounds Tuesday,
She says they are a must.
They really are quite lovely,
But she forgot to dust.

On Wednesday it was birthday bags,
She says the chalking’s fun.
Shading, blending, watercoloring,
But the laundry wasn’t done.

Her card swap was on Thursday,
Hers was green and blue and Red.
I guess she really was engrossed,
Cuz’ she never made the bed.

It was shaker cards on Friday,
A technique she just adores.
So she never seemed to notice
The crumbs on all the floors.

I found a maid on Saturday.
My life is now complete.
My wife can stamp the hours away.
The house will still be neat.

Except…
Today is only Sunday,
And my forehead’s feeling damp.
I cried, I raved, I ranted…
The MAID has learned to STAMP!

Sweet Frame

Here is another project inspired by the "Sweet Bella" Style Watch in the new catalog. This is my version of the picture frame pictured in the catalog. I am not really a flower person (hard to believe since I do make a lot of cards with flowers) I don't use a lot of flowers in my home decor or in what I or my girls wear. But the "Sweet Bella" line has me addicted to roses. I made this frame to put a picture of my new baby girl in. She is my "joy" with a sweet smile and joyous laugh. So I had to add that to her picture frame.

Home decor and stamping has always seemed a little daunting to me. I was not sure how to incorporate my love for paper crafts into my house. Now that I have done it though, my eyes are open to all the possibilities! This was such an easy project to make. It was a bit of trial and error as I moved things around and played with how I wanted everything positioned. I love the final project and cannot wait to get Brenna's sweet picture in place. My oldest wants one for her picture too. So I guess I will have to get busy and make some more. :-)

RECIPE: DSP--Bella Rose; CS--So Saffron, Kiwi Kiss & Chocolate Chip; Ink--So Saffron & Chocolate Chip; Dies--Join In the Cheer Decorative Sizzlet.

Upcoming September Class

The best things in life grow out of our dreams don’t they? Why not encourage someone to follow their own dreams when you send them one of these beautiful and inspiring cards featuring Stampin’ Up!’s new “in colors”, the Dreams du Jour stamp set and Bella Rose designer paper. In this class you’ll create these four cards, and a custom-designed box to hold them in. This card set also makes a wonderful gift for a friend or special someone!

Dates & Times: Thursday, September 11th at 6:00pm or Saturday, September 13th at 9:00pm
Cost: $20 (Only $15 for Stampers 30 Club Members)
Location: My Home (e-mail me for directions)

Don't live by me? Than e-mail me about my "Class Kits By Mail" (US Customers Only). For $20 (which includes the shipping) I will send you all the pieces for the Dream du Jour Class so all you have to do is put them together (instructions are included). Just specify if you want the stamping done for you or not.

Please email me or call to sign up for this class or kit: mwebster1979@verizon.net or (360) 240-1649

Big Shot Blossoms

I knew I wanted to show what the Big Shot can do at my open house but I will admit, I was a bit stumped on how to do it. This is the card that I came up with. It is based on this card I saw on Patty Bennet's blog. I just repositioned the flowers to the top (which I personally liked better) and used another stamp for the saying.

I had so much fun making this card. It was late at night, all the kids were in bed and the house was quiet. I probably should of been in bed but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be creative without being interrupted. I got to experiment with the Big Shot (I didn't have to share it with my mom, who loves to play with the Big Shot every time she comes over LOL). I really like the colors in this card which are from the "Sweet Bella" Style Watch in the new catalog. I will admit that I didn't really like the new Heard From the Heart stamp set when I first got it. I thought it was too wide. But the more I play with it the more I like it.



RECIPE: DSP--Bella Rose; CS--So Saffron, Whisper White, & Riding Hood Red; Stamp--Heard From the Heart; Ink--More Mustard & Chocolate Chip; Dies--Top Note Bigz, & Birds and Blooms Sizzlets.

Simple Elegance

This is one of the cards we made at my open house. I have to admit that this card is not my design. I CASEd it from Andrea Walford. As soon as I saw this card I knew it would be perfect for my open house. As I said before I love simple cards and this one is no exception. It is so elegant because of its simplicity. The original card used white taffeta ribbon to divide the pink paper and the DSP. I decided to showcase our brand new scallop edge punch so I made ric rac with it and used that instead of ribbon. It is still just as elegant!

RECIPE: DSP--Bella Rose; CS--Whisper White, Basic Black, & Pink Pirouette; Stamps--Dreams Du Jour; Ink--Basic Black & Pink Pirouette; Embellishments--Vintage Brads (Black).

Paper Party

Sunday was my open house. Thank you ladies for a wonderful afternoon. I had a great time, I hope you did to! We made cards, played with the Big Shot, devoured the new catalog and had a fun stamp auction. I hope to see you this fall so we can stamp together!!




You walk into stores today and you will find hundreds of party ideas, decorations, favors and more. Why not create your own? This is a display of party projects I had out for my open house on Sunday. As soon as my daughter saw these projects she demanded to know what we were making for her birthday party (which is months away).

Eastern Blooms Mini Envelope Album

Here is another remake from one of the "make 'n takes" from convention. This one uses the new stamp set--Eastern Blooms--which is so elegant. This mini album is made out of two 3"X3" envelopes and two love notes (3"X3" cards). It is very sweet and simple to make. I think this would be adorable as a Christmas ornament. I will be sure to post pictures when I make some for my tree!

Recipe: CS--Riding Hood Red & Pirouette Pink, 2 3"X3" Whisper White Envelopes; Ink--Chocolate Chip & Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip Marker; Stamp--Eastern Blooms; Embellishments--Ribbon, Crystal Effects, spritzer & Pink Duo Beads.

Inspired By Nature

This is a remake of one of the "make 'n takes" from convention. I absolutely love this stamp set--Inspired By Nature. I cannot wait to add it to my collection!!

Recipe: CS--Whisper White, Chocolate Chip & Kiwi Kiss; Ink--Versamark & Chocolate Chip; Stamp--Inspired By Nature; Embellishments--Hodge Podge Hardware & Ribbon

Color Swatch

Ever have a hard time choosing coordinating colors for a card or project? Wish you could see all the colors in one place? How easy would it be to have all the cardstock in your hand at one time? It would make selecting colors and cardstock for projects so much easier, right? How would you like to receive a FREE SU! Cardstock Color Swatch?


Join my Stampers 30 Club and receive a FREE Color Swatch and Bonus Gift!

Michelle’s Stampers 30 Club!
Join today, don’t delay!
September 2008 – June 2009

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 2008 through June 2009.

Don't live nearby? That's okay! Join my Stampers 30 Club as a Long-Distance Member. Just place your order by e-mail or phone on the date of the Club and you will get a pre-stamped card or project kit in the mail with your order. All you have to do is follow the instructions and you will get to make all of our beautiful projects as well. You will get to learn fabulous techniques and get all the perks of being in the club without having to live here!

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 and a minimum of $15 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!) **These will be mailed to Long-Distant Club Members.
☺ You will receive a 20% discount on all my other classes. **Long Distant Club Members can receive this discount on my Class By Mail Kits.

SO E-MAIL OR CALL ME TODAY TO SIGN UP AND RECEIVE YOUR FREE COLOR SWATCH AND ANOTHER BONUS GIFT!! I can't wait to have you join us for a great year of stamping fun!

California Inspired Card

I am not sure why but some of the new In Colors remind me of California--surfing, sun and relaxation. The color choices for this card came together just because these colors happen to be setting next to each other. So here is my card. Another simple one, but simple isn't a bad thing. I tend to like simple cards, the simplicity gets my attention easier than one that is full of embellishments. I do like the pretty cards too, don't get me wrong!!

RECIPE: CS--Whisper White, Pacific Point & Tangerine Tango; Stamps--Dreams Du Jour; Ink--Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, & Kiwi Kiss; Ribbon--Old Olive Grosgrain; Tools, etc.--White Gel Pen & Piercing Kit.

New Blog Features!

I am still on a major learning curve when it comes to blogging and computers in general. Last year we made the switch to Apple Computers and it has been a challenge. I love my Apple, it can do so many things that I never could do on my PC but there are a few things that can be a pain. Like adding fun pictures of our catalog and promotions to the sidebar that you can click on and go to that link on the Stampin' Up! website. I have now figured it out and hopefully you will find these links helpful!!

So go to the Sidebar on the right side of the page and scroll down until you see the pictures of the catalog and promotions going on. Click on it and it will take you to the link. I will warn you however, due to the high volume of people on the Stampin' Up! website, the catalog is downloading very slow.

I hope you enjoy these new features on the blog! I also wanted to say a thank you to all of you who visit Stamping Bliss! It is so much fun to see all the places pop up on the Live Feed widgit at the bottom of the sidebar. Have a great week!

Bella Rose

I have been busy playing even though I haven't been posting very many creations. I have been trying to get things organized for my upcoming open house for the NEW CATALOG on Sunday!! It probably wouldn't be so time consuming but since I have not seriously been pursuing my business since the baby was born things aren't as organized as I would like them to be. The story of my life with three kids. I am sure many of you can relate :-) But as I prepare for the new catalog debut I thought I would share some sneak peeks with you!!

Here is a card featuring some of our new paper, colors and stamps. This is my version of Andrea Walford's card. I didn't have the time or patience for all the layering she did but I still love the card.

RECIPE: DSP--Bella Rose; CS--Whisper White & Ridinghood Red; Ink--Basic Black & Ridinghood Red; and Stamps--Heard from the Heart.

Never Seen Before Stamp Sale!!

This is a very exciting time at Stampin' Up! It is the company's 20th anniversary, the brand new catalog has just been released and fabulous new promotions start today!!

How about a SALE to start off the new catalog? Stampin' Up! is having a "Never Seen Before" Promotion. 15% off select brand-new stamps in the new catalog. Got to love a sale. There is something on this list for every one so take a look and start your shopping list!

Join Stampin' Up! & Get a Great Deal!

Are you like me and loved all of SU! products as soon as you saw the catalog? Looking for a business that is flexible and fun? Want to get a discount on all of your crafting supplies?

Than the new "$99 Starter Kit" is for you!! You select the business you want--Stamping, Scrapbooking, or Home Decor. What kind of business you run is up to you!! How's that for flexibility?

If you are looking for more products to start your business than the $199 standard (now updated) Starter Kit is for you! If you sign up between August 11th and October 11th (with the standard kit) you will receive a stamp set of your choice (no price limit).

Stampin' Up! wants to invest in you and your business and SO DO I! If you have attended one of my events and thought even for a second that you could do this than give me a call and I will walk you through the opportunities Stampin' Up! wants to offer you!

The NEW 2008 IN COLORS are HERE!!!

The new 2008 In Colors are Here!!! I am so excited to share these with you. I will admit that I loved last year's colors and didn't think that Stampin' Up! would be able to top those but as usual I was wrong. These new colors are beautiful. I am so excited to start playing with these new colors to create some beautiful projects and gifts this year.

Kiwi Kiss...

Baja Breeze...

Pacific Point...

Tangerine Tango...

Ridinghood Red...

and last but not least; Pirouette Pink...

I hope you enjoy these new colors as much as I have. Enjoy this little sneak peek into the new catalog!! I will see you on August 17th for the unveiling!!

Mr. Brown is My Hero!!!!

Mr. Brown just stopped at my house in his big brown truck. I was so excited to see him I actually squealed and ran out to meet him. Sad I know, but seeing that big brown truck in front of my house is almost like Christmas. Even though I know what I ordered or even what a customer has ordered. It is so awesome to open the box and see our products up close and personal. What can I say when it comes to stamping I am just a big kid.

So...guess what's in this box ladies...Come on! Here's a hint, it is what we are all dying to get our hands on!!!!!

2008 FALL/WINTER IDEA BOOK & CATALOG!!!!

But before you come running over for a copy; you will have to wait until August 11th. It's agony I know!!! Don't forget I have my New Catalog Debut on August 17th where you will get to see the new catty and all kinds of new samples featuring products in the new book. E-mail me to RSVP!!!

It's HERE!! Where's My Paper?

It arrived!!! Yeah! My brand new big shot has just shown up on my doorstep!! I am so excited, I just had to share! I have been shopping around for a die-cut machine for the past month or so. I wanted one to use with my scrapbooking (in the hope that it would help me get caught up a little faster, we will see how that goes :-) ). I have been doing research on which brand I wanted to buy. So you can imagine my excitement when SU! announced that we were going to begin selling the Big Shot. I love it when I get to buy "toys" and than get to write it off as a business expense. This baby will be well used I am sure! ;-)

Anyway...Here is a picture of my new toy and the box of goodies that came along with it!



I dragged out some cardstock I had on hand (not the best color choices) and started playing. I didn't get to do much before the baby woke up and the other two were demanding dinner (isn't that how it always works?). But here are a few things I managed to make before I was interrupted,


I will be playing with it this weekend and will try to post more pictures later!

HUGE Convention Announcement!!

I have HUGE, EXCITING and FABULOUS news for you!! I was unable to go to Stampin' Up!'s annual convention last week in Salt Lake City this year, bummer I know, but there were a bunch of fabulous ladies who kept the "Breaking News" coming through e-mails. One of the news was so MOMENTOUS that it brought 6,000+ demonstrators to their feet cheering and clapping and some were even in tears. What can I say? We are passionate about our business!

So what is this huge announcement? Maybe you can tell from the bag...





Any ideas? Let me tell you! Stampin' Up! has just announced a brand new product line and partnership with another company! This is a product line that demonstrators have been asking for and the company listened! Stampin' Up! is partnering with Sizzix and selling the Big Shot die cut machine, Sizzix dies and EXCLUSIVE STAMPIN' UP! DIES.



What are "Die Cuts"? some of you may be asking. Die cuts are shapes, images, letters, words, etc. cut out of cardstock, DSP, foam, felt and other materials using a die (which cuts or embosses the image when put in a die-cutting machine). The Big Shot is a manual die-cutting machine that cuts over 50 different products including card stock, Designer Series paper, fabric, chipboard, plastic, and more. Stampin' Up! will be releasing dies that are SU! original artwork that coordinate with our stamps, papers, etc. along with Sizzix dies. If you have dies for other machines (i.e. the Cuttlebug) they are compatible with the Big Shot.



How can this help with your cardmaking, scrapbooking and other crafting needs? It can add simple embellishments for all your products. It will also make mass producing cards so much easier. Your scrapbook pages will take on new flair with die cuts. You can even use some of the die cuts to make 3-D projects in a snap. Come to my open house on August 17th and I will have a Big Shot for you to play with! Keep checking back on my blog as I will be making posts of all the great things the Big Shot can do for you!

Special thanks to Dianne Shiozaki and Patricia Weitzel for supplying the pictures for me to share with you!

BIG BLOG NEWS!!!!

Stampin' Up! has just announced that Shelli, SU! CEO and co-founder, will be debuting her brand new personal blog to the public today. On it she will feature Stampin' Up! products, ideas and fun creative challenges. She will also be sharing a bit of her personal life and creative side. Shelli is the driving force behind Stampin' Up! and it will be so exciting to see what she has to say and share with all of us. This site is open to everyone--Demonstrators and Customers. So check out the exciting new online resource.

Scallop Flowers Stationary Box

So I finally finished the project my Mom and I were working on last Friday. The project that started the "Scallop Flower & Leaf Tutorial". Thank you for all of the fabulous comments I got on it. I hope I can do more tutorials in the future. Actually I finished my project a few days ago but finally took pictures today. This is not my original idea I got the idea from Jackie Topa who is incredibly creative. She is the creator of the Stationary Box but as soon as I saw it I knew I had to make it.

It looks just like a regular card box, right? Well that is where you are wrong. This card box features loads of surprises...


Would you believe that this box holds...3X3 Love Notes...Standard-Size Cards...Gift Tags...Stamps...a Pen....and an Address Book?



Well....Believe it!!

What a fabulous idea!! Here are all the goodies inside!!



Recipe: DSP--Berry Bliss; CS--Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Green Galore, & Chocolate Chip; Ink--Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink (Marker), Green Galore (Marker); Stamps: For a Friend (Hostess Set); Ribbon--Pink Grosgain (non-SU!) and Tools--Stapler, Scallop Punch, 3/4" circle punch.

Of Course my Mom made one too! Here is her design:




I love how she cut out the flowers from the DSP using a punch. It was so creative and a fun way to look at the DSP other than just a sheet of paper.

Recipe: DSP--Berry Bliss; CS--Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate & Very Vanilla; Ink: Close to Cocoa & Chocolate Chip; Stamps--Embrace Life; Tools: 1" circle Punch. (I am guessing at her recipe since I was busy making my box and wasn't always paying attention to what she was using.)

These boxes are so beautiful....hmmmm! I'm thinking Christmas Presents, what about you?