Is it Springfield Mass or Epcot?   My wonderful friends Tami and Meg and I were having fun today at a demonstrator meeting in Springfield Massachusetts.   The dome in the background is actually the basketball hall of fame.  I presented at my friend Tami's downline meeting.  I had an awesome time.   I showed some of the awesome big shot projects I have made – and they loved them!  

Do you love these purses?  They were pillow gifts from Stampin' Up! on the cruise. . . . I LOVE them.  Every great woman has an awesome purse or two (or more) and I can tell you I think Stampin' Up! is doing an awesome job of keeping me supplied in beautiful handbags!

Here's one that perhaps you haven't seen. . . .

This is my newest creation using the scallop square die (rapidly becoming one of my favs).  It also uses the 5 point star die, stars #2 die and the Sans Serif alphabet.  This was an awesome and easy project to do.   Have you heard that I LOVE quilting (my grandma would be proud) with the Big Shot!  This machine is so easy to cut everything soooo quickly – and with the rag quilting technique, you can sew this together in a small amount of time.  You can check out some of my Big Shot projects the second Wednesday of every month – or get a group of your friends together and I will come and amaze your socks off! 

I'll be home from Boston on Sunday.  Check back for some significant updates this week!   There is some excitement building! 

Tags: 5 point star, quilting, Sans Serif alphabet Sizzix, Scallop Square, Sizzix, Stampin' Up!

I am really lovin' this stamp set from the summer mini catalog.  There is so much that you can do with it. . . . This was a card we made at this weeks Chicke, Chocolate and Cards.  This was a case'd sample from a swap I was in.  The original creator is Dawn Olchefske.  It was soooo perfect, I didn't change a thing!  Love the colors, the bit of ribbon – and if you look close – yep glitter – a must have for it to be in the "stinkin' cute" category!

This set is from the new summer mini catalog.  I have tons of samples with this set for you the CASE, if you need to. 

Tags: Raspberry Lemonade, Stampin' Up! Sweet Scoops

Isn't this cute?   This was one of my favorites from a swap with fellow demonstrators (I'll post the name of the demo when I return home).  I love this card for so many reasons;

• colors – hmmm  Old Olive and Rich Razzelberry with a little Crushed Curry thrown in for accent
• it has texture – most of you know I LOVE texture!
• it's a card that a moderately experienced stamper can re-create – that's from me the queen of copying!
• those are all great but, most of all this card will definately give the person that receives this card the message that you really care about them – and I love making people feel great!

Off to the card – It is a stamp set from the Summer mini catalog called Elements of Style (I got it free from Stampin' Up!).  Here's a few pointers;

• ladies – dig out your crimper – the background is crimped!  Now we forgot about this lovely piece of texture in our creative places too often!
• Love the top note die - it is so versatile!  Here you'll cut two – 1 in whisper white and 1 in crushed curry – you can cut both at once with the Big Shot!
• Stamp the image with staz on ink and color away – two ways to add color – aquapainter and reinker from your ink case or watercolor crayon!
• don't forget about the hardware!  It adds such a cute accent – the vellum cardstock inside it just adds to the elegance of the card

Don't forget to join me for the Mini Catalog open house on Saturday, May 8 9:30-12:30 – you'll see more like this!

Stampin' Blessings!

Tags: Elements of Style, Hodgepodge hardware, Stampin' Up!, Top Note

Last month we used the watercolor crayons on a cute project. . . and we the summer mini catalog debut, you'll love that I teased you with them as this set is perfect for them!  In fact it's called Watercolor images.  Since it's in the mini – it comes with a clear mount option!   I participated in a swap with fellow demonstrators and received this cute card – I will add the name of the wonderful demonstrator when I return home. 

This card will be part of my Chicks, Chocolate and cards night on Tuesday, May 11.   RSVP to hold your spot!

Happy Stampin'!

Tags: Stampin' Up! cards, Watercolor crayons, Watercolor images

Check out this cute card from my friend Lynn Weglietner!   I love this graduation card because it dresses up the gift cards I typically give so nicely.  I know with graudation season coming that some of you have already asked me for graduation ideas. .. and I love this one.

This set is from the new summer mini catalog and will be available May 1.  I know its a little hard to see it all but, it opens and you stick the gift card right in the slot made with the word window punch – pretty clever! 

Are you also looking at the jars on my desk with the decor' elements chalkboard labels – another cute thing from the summer mini catalog!   OK, I know that you are calling me a tease right now but, you'll just have to come to my Mini catalog open house on May 8 and see for yourself!

TTFN – ta ta for now!

This year on cruise since it was later in the year (close to fishing season) and Jim had concerns about his health, he opted to not go on cruise.  Now I can tell you when I left home that he was sad that he chose not to go as he knows how much fun I'll have and how well Stampin' Up! will treat us.  But, he also knows that I will have fun and will treasure the time I will be spending with my sister.  My older sister, Sally from Fort Collins Colorado is cruising with me.  Some of you know that I have only known this sis for about 17 years and with the distance, we don't get to spend as much time together as we would like.  So, we will enjoy this time with great pleasure!

As I got ready for cruise, I thought that I should bring a little gift for my sis to add some of her favorite pictures to.  She already has a My Digital Studio but, knew that she would appreciate something like this.  I used one of the chipboard albums from the current mini catalog (ladies – here's the deal – these are fantastic and you can do so much more than make scrapbooks with them – you will be said if you don't buy 1 or 2 of them before the end of the month when they go away!)  The paper I used is a sneak peak from the upcoming summer mini catalog – I thought it was fun, bright and reminded me of the fun colors I will be seeing in the caribbean.  This album only took a bit to put together but, the memories will last a lifetime. 

Happy Stamping!

Tags: Big Shot, Chipboard album, Scallop Circle, Stampin' Up!

Tags: 2 tags die, Razzelberry lemondae, Sizzix project, Stampin' Up! cards, Sweet scoops

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!

Tags: Stampin' Up! Sweet Scoops

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!

Tags: Awash with Flowers, Bridal specialty paper, Petal Card Die, Scallop Circle, Stampin' Up!

I love color. . .  and so does Stampin' Up!   I love it when colors become popular and I can get a new top or outfit in a fun color. . . well I love that in my crafting too. . . and Stampin' Up! in a BIG announcement this week, updated their colors!   YIPPPEE!!   Color is such a big part of crafting – and Stampin' Up! makes it so easy - and now they have freshened it up a bit – and I am lovin' it!!

Are you ready for the scoop?  We will be saying a fond farewell to some of the current colors and they will be bringing back some of our favorite In Colors!!!!    Yea baby!

Say a fond farewell to;  Almost Amethyst, Apricot Appeal, Ballet Blue, Barely Banana, Blush Blossom, Bordering Blue, Brilliant Blue, Brocade Blue, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Gable Green, Glorious Green, Going Gray, Green Galore, Handsome Hunter, Lavender Lace, Lovely Lilac, Mellow Moss, Only Orange, Orchid Opulence, Pale Plum, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Sage Shadow, Taken with Teal, Yoyo Yellow.

To stock up on your favorites before they are gone forever, visit my Stampin' Up! store.  Make sure that you include ink refills for your ink pads!!!! 

OK, on to the NEW – the exciting - I am sooo excited I can hardly stand it stuff. . . yes some of my (and your) favorite In Colors are coming back!   Yes sirrree! 

Say hello to the 40 core colors in Stampin' Up!'s new color collections!  Ten colors in 4 collections. . .

Introducing 5 new Core Colors

Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler and Marina Mist

10 Returning In Colors

Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo, Pacific POint, Rich Razzleberry, River Rock, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango and Wild Wasabi

Brights Collection

Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific POint, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Real Red

Neutrals Collection

River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake (Kraft), Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Regals Collection

Elegant Eggplant, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Garden Green, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy

Subtles Collection

Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, So Saffron

NEW In Color program!

Stampin' Up! will introduce 5 new In Colors withthe 2010/2011 Idea Book & Catalog on July 1st.  (watch for a sneak peak in June!) These new In Colors will be available for 2 years.  AND then for the 2011/2012 season, there will be another 5 new In Colors introcuded for a total of 10 In Colors!   The following year, the 2010/11 will retire and a new set will be introduced!  I am soooo excited that Stampin' Up! has made this color decision – just think a great refreshment every year!

New Colors made easy for U!

Stampin' Up! has thought of EVERYTHING!   to help you get started or to complete your collections, Stampin' Up! will be offering "new color" kits for stampin' write markers, stampin' pastels and watercolor wonder crayons.  This way you can add-to your already exisiting collection by only adding the new colors!  oh, and there's more. . .. . an awesome NEW color coach tool that is to die for!

Are you eeeeeexxxxcitttted!   I think I am! 

See you all next week for a class where we can chat more about it all!!  Check back tomorrow for a sneak peak of the projects for this weeks classes!