Sunday, March 27, 2011

First Stampin' Up! Workshop & Project Ideas

Hi Everyone. Thanks for joining me back here again. I held my very first Stampin' Up! Workshop just a few days ago on the 25th. It took a lot of planning but it turned out fantastic. I had my husband set up two long tables in my living room. One table was full of snacks and refreshments and the second table was filled with inspiring goodies to show cast Stampin' Up! products. Before I show you all these images, I do have to apologize for the poor quality. I was in a hurry so I took them with my iPhone so the quality is not that great. Lately, I've been lazy to set up lights so I used my iPhone with natural lighting. So, please excuse me. But, take at look at how I did my display table.

This is the end of the table where I placed the catalogs and pamphlets.

This is the other end of the table where all the projects was displayed.

I love how it turned out. I used two Umbra photo displays that I purchased from Bed Bath and Beyond. I didn't want to clutter the cards around so that's why I felt it needed the Umbras. I think it turned out beautifully. It was such a beautiful display. I wish you could have seen it in person.

This is the top view. I placed the 3D projects more in the back and placed the cards towards the front.

 Here is another top view of the second Umbra display.
Here's a close up of some of the cards on display.


Oh, and I have to show you this beautiful hanging photo display that I purchased from Pier 1 Imports. It goes perfect for cards as well. I love how beautiful it turned out. I was really please with it.

Here's all the Idea Book and Catalogs.

Here's the Occasions Mini Catalog and Pamphlets.

Here's a cute basket full of flower pens I made the other day for my guest to use and little goodies party favor bags full of papers, ribbon, brad, stamp, gel pen, and stickers. I love this little bag. Each guest walked away with one. It was such a great idea. I love party favor gifts.

The display table was really great but I apologize I got too excited and I forgot to photograph the refreshment and snack table. My lovely sisters made spring rolls and I had lots of choices for refreshments from hot drinks to water. We decorated it so nicely with labels on everything but I regret that I didn't take any photos of the table. Maybe next time. There will always be a next time.

Everyone showed up that evening except a few people. It was great because most of my guests were new to paper crafting so everyone had fun learning about Stampin' Up! We even made a card together. I was really surprise how talented they were. Their card turned out fantastic. I should have taken photos of it too but I was all over the place so I completely forgot about it. My first workshop was such a great success. I'm looking forward to the next one already which is scheduled in April. I hope to have this many guest show up again. I think we might even do a 3D project in that workshop.

Now that I'm done showing you how the workshop turned out. Let me show you some recent projects I made using Stampin' Up! products. I show you a photo and list the products used. Let's get going.

Crayon Candy Favor Box
Supply List:

Stamp: Hostess, Afterthoughts Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Melon Mambo Cardstock, Pacific Point DSP
Ink: Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Designer Label Punch, Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

Hand Sanitizer Party Favor Gift
Supply List:

Stamp: Elegant Thank You Wood-Mount Stamp
Paper: Pretty in Pink Cardstock, Regal Rose DSP
Ink: Regal Rose Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Designer Label Punch

Candy Favor Box
Supply List:

Stamp: Hodgepodge Happiness Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Old Olive Cardstock Paper, Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Circle and Scallop Circle Punch, Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

Minty Candy Favor Box
Supply List:

Stamp: SaleA-Bration, Punch Bunch Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Basic Grey Textured Cardstock, Melon Mambo DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Circle and Scallop Circle Punch

Bucket Party Favor
Supply List:

Stamp: SaleA-Bration, Punch Bunch Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Basic Grey Textured Cardstock, Brights DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Circle and Heart to Heart Punch

Gift Tag
Supply List:

Stamp: Hostess, Because I Care Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Very Vanilla Cardstock, Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Two Tags bigz Dies, Big Shot Machine, Oval Punch, 3/8" Twill Tape

Favor Box

Supply List:

Stamp: Sale-A-Bration, Punch Bunch Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Rose Red Cardstock, Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Circle Punch

Fries Candy Favor Box
Supply List:

Stamp: For You Flower Wood-Mount Stamp
Paper: Old Olive Cardstock, Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: So Saffron and Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Circle and Fancy Flower Punch

Love Milk Carton Favor Box
Supply List:

Stamp: Got Treats Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: So Saffron Cardstock, Brights Classic DSP
Ink: Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Hear to Heart Punch

Miss You Window Card
Supply List:

Stamp: Three Little Words Wood-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry Cardstock
Ink: Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Word Window Punch

Yellow Medallion Card

Supply List:

Stamp: Medallion and Three Little Words Wood-Mount Stamp
Paper: Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Basic Pearl

Onesie Shower Invite
Supply List:

Paper: So Saffron Cardstock, Classic DSP
Ink: Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Word Window Punch

Diaper Shower Invite
Supply List:

Paper: Whisper White Cardstock, Old Olive DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Circle Punch, Hemp Twine

Happy O Birthday Floral Card
Supply List:

Stamp: Build A Blossom Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron and Basic Grey Textured Cardstock, Pacific Point DSP
Ink: So Saffron and Early Expresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Button, Hemp Twine

Simply Sent Sweet Hello Card

Supply List:

Stamp: Hello, You Wood-Mount Stamp
Paper: Simply Sent Sweet Hello Kit
Ink: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

On Your Birthday Card
Supply List:

Stamp: On Your Birthday Wood-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Rich Razzleberry Cardstock, Rich Razzleberry DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Perfect Plum Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Oval and Oval Scallop Punch

Sweet Friend Love Birds Card
Supply List:

Stamp: Hello, You Wood-Mount Stamp Set, Love You Much Wood-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Melon Mambo Cardstock, Melon Mambo DSP
Ink: Basic Black and Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Hello You Little Lion Card
Supply List:

Stamp: Fox and Friends Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Daffodil Delight Cardstock, Certainly Celery Cardstock
Ink: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

 Just for You Expresso Card

Supply List:

Stamp: Hostess Stamp, Afterthoughts Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Paper: Early Expresso Cardstock, Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: Early Expresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools: Circle and Scallop Circle Punch, Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

Well, that's it for now. I did more projects but I need to make the supply list and I'll post it shortly after I take a photo of them. I hope you like my projects and I hope you can use it as inspiration to get you crafting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail me. Remember you can place in order through me or online anytime 24/7. The website link is here. Also, don't forget that the Sale-A-Bration Sales ends March, 31, 2011. So, please take advantage of the 15% off New Demonstrator Starter Kit! It's such an awesome deal. And check back here often for more ideas. Please feel free to leave me any comments below. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of your weekend. I will meet you all back here next week for more goodies. Take care.


All About Stampin' Up!

Welcome back everyone! I want to talk about the fun stuff that I've been up to lately. First of all, for those of you who are reading this and do not know what Stampin' Up! is, I'm going to give you some facts about them and share with you some exciting news about specials and sales that they are having right now. And if you are familiar with Stampin' Up! products, then you're probably as amazed as I was with their high quality and variety of product line. I'm also going to list sample projects that I made from using Stampin' Up! products.

One thing that I love about Stampin’ Up! products is that their colors coordinate really well with each other from their papers to their inks to their ribbons and so much more.

Stampin’ Up! offers a variety of colors including their Brights Collection (which are 10 Colors), Subtles Collections (which are 10 colors), Regals Collection (which are 10 colors), and the Neutrals Collection(which are also 10 colors). (2010-2011Catalog pages 165-169) They also have colors which they call the In Colors which are good for two years. Normally there will be 10 In Colors but since this is the first year, they offered five colors first. Then they will be introducing five new color to make the 10 colors. These colors are good for two years then they will introduce 10 new colors.

Next, I want to talk about their Stampin' Pads and Stampin' Ink. Stampin' Up!'s revolutionary pads feature a patented, flip-top design that stores the inking surface upside down, so the pad surface stays moist. Their award-winning Classic inks feature their popular, fast drying, dye-based inks while their Craft inks contain rich pigment that is ideal for scrapbooking, embossing, and other craft projects and are the best choice for long-lasting color. Both ink types are acid free and come in pads and ink refills. Stampin' Write Markers are also a great way to ink a portion of an image or to create dramatic details. You can purchase Stampin' Write markers individually, as a color family, or all together as Many Marvelous Markers. They also have Pens and Journalers used to create final touches on your projects. You can also choose from Blender Pens, a White gel pen, journalers, and more. Also, use watercolor your projects using one of Stampin' Up!'s watercoloring products including watercolor pencils and their award-winning Watercolor Wonder Crayons. In addition, use their pastels to add soft color to your projects by chalking them onto your projects. The ideas are endless what you can do with all the color and tool choices.

That brings up the next best thing that Stampin’ Up! Offers, which is their stamps. Starting with the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog, Stampin' Up! now offers repositionable, clear-mount rubber stamps in addition to their award-winning wood-mount rubber stamps! These new clear-mount stamps are designed to maintain the unbeatable image quality you love about traditional Stampin' Up! stamps, while at the same time offering the flexibility, ease of use, and storability inherent in repositionable rubber stamps. Their Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features 9 different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle. Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel. Also, their stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist. Their stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy. But no matter what your preference is, you will enjoy the high quality made here in the USA rubber stamps in both options. No matter what your personal taste and style, Stampin’ Up! offers a diversity of images to chose from. The hardest part is deciding which one to get. I want to get them all. And remember that everything will coordinate well with each other. They even have stamps that coordinate with punches.

Also, starting with the new 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and continuing with all new punch designs going forward, Stampin' Up! has adopted a new body style for their punches! I love their new punch design because the low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easy stacking and storing and the punches lock shut for easier storage and transporting. Plus, the dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored.

I also want to talk about the high quality papers that Stampin’ Up! offers. When you pick up a piece of Stampin' Up! card stock, you'll notice the exclusive colors, impressive weight of paper (80 lb.) and that it's dyed all the way through so you won't get a white core when tearing. You'll also love that their textured card stock has an exclusive pattern, comes in the same great colors, and is acid and lignin free (just like their regular card stock) so it's great for scrapbooking. In addition to their card stock, they have so many other paper products such as their Designer Series paper. Designer Series paper is a great choice for scrapbooking as it is acid and lignin free. Chipboard is also a hot product, and they've got some of the best designs around. Their selection includes alphabets and images so you'll have plenty of choices whether you're coloring, covering, or leaving your chipboard raw. I also love their window sheets because their window sheets bring a whole new look to your creations. You can use them on scrapbook pages, embellish them with Rub-Ons that you use as overlays, or layer them on card stock or create shapes with the Big Shot die-cut machine, sponge the edges with Craft ink to color, or make see-through boxes. There are countless options! They come in two different thicknesses, as well as a printed option. Once you've designed your project, share the joy by sending it to someone--in one of their envelopes! Stampin' Up! envelopes come in many of the same neutral colors as our card stock, and the exclusive flap design helps you make your project distinctive. Wait, there's more! You'll also want to check out their selection of cards & envelopes, bags, calendars, Simply Sent card kits, and more. No matter what paper product you choose from Stampin' Up!, the quality and color coordination will help you coordinate all your paper craft projects.

In addition to all of this, Stampin’ Up!  also offer accessories such as tools, embellishments, adhesives and so much more. They also offer digital products for you digital scrapbookers. As most of you probably know or if you've seen my flickr gallery, I am one of them. I love digital scrapbooking. It's so easy and fun. Stampin' Up! offers a digital scrapbooking software and digital kits perfect for creating layouts or cards. All of these products can be found directly at their website or you can contact me for a Idea Book and Catalog which is filled with many great ideas to get you inspired along with information for all their products. They also have their Occasions Mini Catalogs which offers their seasonal items. This catalog expires April 30 so go to the website and check out all their products. Be sure to make a wish list. I'm sure you'll find something to love in each of their catalogs. My wish list is never ending. I want to try them all.

But, only until the end of this month which is next Thursday, March 31, Stampin’ Up! has a special sale called the Sale-A-Bration promotion. The Sale-A-Bration Special is: for every $50 that you spend, you get an item in the pamphlet for free. Remember that this sale ends on March 31.

In addition to this promotion, Stampin' Up! has a very special promotion for New Demonstrators. This is one of their biggest sales event of the year. Right now, through March 31, if you join, you will receive 15% off your starter kit plus a special Sale-A-Bration bonus bundle value up to $50. What a great deal. That is the deal that I took and I have to say, I am so grateful for this sale because not only did it save me money, I got more freebies and doesn't everyone love freebies! So, definitely do not miss out on these two promotions. Remember that they expire on March 31. So, if you're interested, check out my website for more information or if you have any questions, please e-mail me.

Okay so now that I've given you a grand tour of what Stampin' Up! is all about, follow me in the next post to see sample projects using Stampin' Up!'s products. I'll see you there!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

My New Adventure!

Hi Everyone. I wanted to share with you all some very exciting news about my new adventure. Most of you probably guessed it by reading my blog header. Recently, I became a Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. In case you haven't notice, my blog header changed.

Here is my blog header before and after side by side:

I decided that it was time for a new blog design to include my new adventure as well. The design on the right above is the old blog and the design on the left above is of course the new blog design without the stamping.
Well, that's not all. I even cleaned up my craft space and re-organize my supplies. I kind of down-sized so I took a lot of things that I didn't need no more and put them in a box to sell. I might list some of the items I'm selling in the near future or list it for sale on craigslist. I just need to get rid of them so I have more room to expand my new collection of Stampin' Up! supplies. I'm expanding each day so I definitely need to make more room.

Here is the before and after photo of my craft space:

These are my new storage solutions for some of my papers, catalogs, and stamp sets.

Now that I', done telling you about all the behind the scene stuff, lets get down to business. Follow me in the next post to find out about this exciting company called, Stampin' Up!

What Have I Been Up To Lately?

Hi everyone. As you have noticed, it's been awhile since I last made a post. So many things happened to me during the last month. I've been so.... busy. Let me get going and tell you what I have been up to. Well, let me start out by sharing with you some sad news.  In the month of March, I had to attend two funerals. We lost a very young nephew in a automobile accident. Then we lost our uncle. It has been a tough year for us. Especially losing our love ones so suddenly. We also lost my mother in law recently in November of 2010. Our family hasn't really recovered. Especially my father in law. It's been tough but we somehow found the courage and strength to move on. I guess one can never really recover from losing someone so close to their heart. They just find the courage to hold on life despite the loneliness and emptiness after losing some they love. I guess you just have to tell yourself to toughen it out and move on.

At least that's what I told myself when losing my beloved father two years ago. The hurt never heals and you never go on a day without thinking about them or cherishing those memories of them. But, you just tell yourself, it was meant to be. And someday, you will meet again when the time is right and their time has just come. Your time will come someday too. I miss my dad so much. I dream about him. I wish I can call him up and invite him to dinner. I wish I can call him up and tell him I love him. I wish I can hold him again and give him the biggest hug. I wish so many things. But, I know I have to be strong because he is in a better place. In time, I will see him again. There is a cycle in everything we do, including life. Life is a cycle. We are all born and then we die. I've learn not to fear death but to understand its cycle. I used to ask myself, why? Why do our love ones have to die? But, now I understand that some things can not be explain but they happen for a reason. There's nothing I could do to change that or control it. Life gives and life takes. You never know what tomorrow will bring. That's why I believe that you should live your life with no regrets. Make life worth living in the time you have left. When you are gone, you take nothing with you but you leave those you loved touched forever.

So, despite being torn and broken, here we are standing today. I guess we have so much to still be thankful for. We have our family and friends who are here for us. And we have responsibility to take care of, bills and children who need guidance and love.

So, I guess that's more of the reason why I have been away for so long. I've been healing and coping with death. I've been pondering and analyzing my life and my plans for life and family. In the end, I realized there was nothing to ponder about. My life is how it is. And I love my life. I love my family. I love my friends. I have so much to be grateful for. It's just another bump on this rocky road called, life. I do apologize that I haven't been doing any freebies or posting any new cards. I haven't been to my shop either. I wanted to add new cards but I've been so down and busy. But, now that I have my spirit back,  feel alive again.

Bring so alive and alert, I have not been doing nothing, I can tell you that for sure. In fact, I have been even more busy than ever. I guess you can call me super mom or super crazy or whatever you want. Despite working full time and being a mommy of three boys, and never ending chores, on top of that running a part time business, I still manage to make time for another adventure.

I'll tell you more about that in my next post. See you there.