Yes, I'm off on the Southern Caribbean cruise!   First stop is San Juan and then the Adventure of the Seas on Sunday.   I wouldn't be here without the greatest customers in the world. . . . so here is your gift – are you ready?   It is awesome!  

From now until May 2, Twenty percent off – yes 20% off all merchandise you order!   Yes sirrreee!   OK, so what do you spend it on?  Here are a few suggestions;

• Get the Big Shot  – you've been wanting to do this – now is your your best change!
• Oh, and dies - yep, stock up on those too!
• Re-inkers – especially for those colors that are going away
• Cardstock
• that stamp set you have always wanted but keep putting off – now's the time!

So, get your orders ready – and then you need to email them to me. . . . I will check my email every few days and email you with your totals.

Curious about this card?  It is called Sweet Scoops and is in the new summer mini catalog. . . you will make this card at Class/Club May 4 and 5.  This is open to anyone – come and check it out.  It is a free class with a $25 order.  This card was made by Sandy, a fellow demonstrator who participated in a swap I was in. 

Oh, and if you think I am out of surprises – uhhhhh no!     Stay tuned as I have more fun and ANNOUNCEMENTS to come!

Here are some of the great projects we will be doing this week!  Don't miss these great classes this week!

Monday, April 12 Big Shot night - 4 projects using the Big Shot 6:30pm Cost is $5 or free for 4 classes for those who have purchased a Big Shot from me!

Tuesday, April 13 & 14 – Club/Class night - this is OPEN to anyone as it is a bonus night for my club members!  4 projects that include cards and 3D items.  Cost is $5 or free with $25 order.  6:30pm

Thursday, April 15 – Chicks, Chocolate and Cards - My monthly card class features 12 cards and envelopes – check tomorrows post for one of the cards we will be doing – it's pretty cute!!!  Cost is $25 with a $10 credit on your order.  6:30pm  Only 10 spots available!

Here's a very simple card that highlights the Two-Step Bird Punch.  There's a perfect space for the greeting of your choice to be stamped on this card – right there on the front!  This is another creation by Jan Ledman – a very creative downline!

This Two-step bird punch along with the branch are a punch available in the Occasions Mini catalog that will be going away at the end of this month.  This has been a very popular punch – and is the new design!  Make sure that you get yours before it is gone forever!

Aren't these cards beautiful!  Two-Step into spring with a sneak peek from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog! Be the first to add the Awash with Flowers stamp set to your collection!   This stamp set is like no flower stamp set you've ever seen!  You will want to be the first to get this – and you can get it in clear mount or wood mount!   What's that?  price?   Free – for hostesses who have a $350 show in April!  $27.95 for clear mount and $39.95 for wood mount.

Plus, purchase spring-themed two =step stampin' sets at 20 percent off the retail price – no additional purchase necessary!  You'll love these qualifying stamp sets that will be featured in my workshops next week!

• Greenhouse Garden p 94 – $20.76
• Fifth Avenue Floral p 98 – $19.96  ( a favorite!!)
• Flower Fancy p 101  $29.56
• Trendy Trees p 112 $14.36  (love it!)

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!    April Classes and Celebration update!

In celebration of my remodeled craft/classroom space, check out these awesome classes next week!   I guarantee that you won't want to miss these events! 

• Monday, April 12 Big Shot night - 4 projects using the Big Shot 6:30pm Cost is $5 or free for 4 classes for those who have purchased a Big Shot from me!
• Tuesday, April 13 & 14 – Club/Class night - this is OPEN to anyone as it is a bonus night for my club members!  4 projects that include cards and 3D items.  Cost is $5 or free with $25 order.  6:30pm
• Thursday, April 15 – Chicks, Chocolate and Cards - My monthly card class features 12 cards and envelopes – check tomorrows post for one of the cards we will be doing – it's pretty cute!!!  Cost is $25 with a $10 credit on your order.  6:30pm  Only 10 spots available!
• Saturday, April 17 – 9:30am - watch for the special announcement tomorrow!
• Monday, April 19 6:30pm – Workshop night - You'll love the demos I have planned for this night – it is patterned after a typical workshop that I do in your home. . . but, you get to come to my place instead!  I'll demo 3 items and then it's your turn – the make-n-take is fabulous!

Space is limited so, RSVP to hold your spot!  Email or call – 651.437.4440

Ever need a quick, simple card with a great focal point?  Here it is!  Products used on this card are;

• Kraft cardstock – base
• Sahara Sand cardstock – layer
• Perfect Polka dots impressions folder
• wide Bravo Burgundy grosgrain ribbon
• Hearts & Brackets sizzix die
• Flower designer brads
• I (heart) Hearts stamp set from Occasions Mini used on envelope

You can easily showcase any of the designer brads, build-a-brad or buttons with this layout!  (the corderoy buttons looked yummy!)   If you would like to make cards like this – come to one of my stamp a stacks known as Chicks, Chocolate and Cards!  The next one is April 15. 

Here's a simple birthday card that you can whip up in a hurry!  Just a couple of layers and you are set with a card that is sure to bring a smile!  This card uses Pretty in Pink, Basie Gray and Naturals Cream cardstock.   I love the look of pink and gray together.  The natruals cream carstock has a little more porous surface and thus is great for watercoloring – and that is how the cupcake tree is colored in – using aqua painters.  I received this card from Christine Ekrem – she certainly came up with a great card that was pleasing to my customers!

Here's a challenge for you. . . make and send a card today – perhaps its for a birthday or some other occasion – it matters not.  But, what does matter is the feeling the recipient will get when they receive your card!  Why not make someone's day and send a card?

Are you thinking about your Easter cards yet?  This is from the set called Abundant Hope from the Occastions Mini Catalog (p 24).  It is really designed for an Easter card – but here you'll see another way to combine it with the Only Ovals set (a must have!) for a thank you card.  The Abundant Hope set comes with it's own greetings;

• Easter Blessings
• Rejoicing with you in the abundant mercy and hope of Christ the Lord

This card was designed by my downline Sue Hood – I love the contrast of the colors and the texture she created in the background by using the texturz plates. 

We are winding down to the last few weeks of Sale-a-Bration. . .think ahead and order your Easter card and project stamp sets today – while you get the Sale-a-Bration freebies!

OK, so I have to admit that I am becoming more and more of a "vintage" fan. . . .and I think the Vintage Vogue set from the Occasions Mini Catalog is perhaps a catalyst.  If you've been to my stampin' spot – you have seen tons of ideas with this set – here is one of the standouts made by a fellow demonstrator (if it's yours let me know).   Here's what I love;

• the color combination – so springy (don't we all need that right now?)  So Saffron, Old Olive and Regal Rose
• the variety of techniques showcased on this card;  collage stamping, Stampin' Around, rock-n-roll technique (you see a variation of this technique on the "f"), and dimension.
• it's a card that I can have rady and available that I can use for multiple occasions;  birthday, congrats, thanks, etc.

Here's a list of my upcoming events – I have openings in my card class tomorrow night;

• Big Shot – Fun, creative and eye popping ideas with your Big Shot!  Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30pm
• Chicks, Chocolate and Cards – formerly called stamp a stack.  This super fun class gives you the opportunity to use a variety of stamp sets and techniques while basically being pampered.  That's right – I'll have the ideas ready, cardstock cut and everything set out for you to use – you just come and stamp away!  Of course, maybe have some chocolate too!  Thursday, March 11 at 6:30pm
• Workshop just 4 U! – want to attend a Stampin' Up! workshop but haven't been invited to one lately?  Here is your opportunity - Monday, March 15 at 6:30m (3rd Monday of every month)

I am looking forward to seeing you soon!

Friends – you are all welcome to join me the 3rd Monday of every month for an open workshop night at my stampin' spot!  This is the perfect solution when you want a night out, don't have a Stampin' Up! workshop to go to and you just plain want to have fun!   Bring a friend and come on over!   This month, we will concentrate on layouts.  Using simple layouts, how can you use different stamp sets, layers, and techniques to give you different looks. 

Join me on March 15 at 6:30pm.  Don't forget to RSVP as I want to have make-n-take supplies for everyone!