Jumble Alphabet Customer Pre-order!

From May 1st-31st, Stampin' Up is offering customers the chance to purchase the Jumble Alphabet Set from the upcoming catty being released in July! Not only are you getting a chance at getting hold of this set early, in celebration of their 20th Anniversary, they are letting you grab it at a 20% discount! This is an absolutely fabulous deal, make sure to take advantage of it now and save yourself that extra cash! (I'm sure you'll find other ways to spend it:) It will be $57.95 in the new catty, but you can get it now for $46.36! After May 31st, you'll have to wait until the new catalgoue to get hold of this stamp set and this price will not be repeated! I just realized how many exclamation points I used in this post... can you tell I think it's a good deal?

12 Hour Special!

Do you want 10% off of the merchandise amount of your order? Email me your order today, April 30th, anytime between 6am and 6pm and I will give you 10% off of the total of your merchandise, this will be taken off after taxes and shipping have been calculated. Club orders are excluded from this promotion as well as any of my other personal promotions. This offer is only advertised on my blog so make sure to tell your friends:)

Supporting a Worthy Cause

One of my fabulous new demos, Sabriena, is participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure. This is a charity supporting finding a cure for Breast Cancer. This is a topic very near to my heart for many reasons. I know people who have lost this battle, won this battle, and are currently fighting this battle. Everyone of them is a hero in my eyes. I can't think of a more fabulous cause to support. If you have a chance, check out Sabriena's blog, and click on her link to get to her pledge page. Any amount makes a difference!

Only three days left on Get Connected Promotion!

From April 1st- April 30th, every $50 of merchandise you purchase from the new Mini Occasions flyer will earn you an "item for under $12" from page 208 of the current Spring/ Summer Catalogue.

In addition, any workshop held in the month of April with total sales of $200+ will earn the hostess an "item for under $12" from page 208 of the current Spring/ Summer Catalouge.

Don't miss out, this is a Stampin' Up exclusive offer which will not be extended, and these free items are adorable!

Mini Flip Books Class

Don't miss out on my fabulous Mini Flip Book Class. I saw these fabulous books on Amy Celona's blog. These make an excellent gift loaded with your photos or leave it blank for baby or bridal shower gift. You can also use them as a great way to display your own photos for a keepsake. There are many different themes to choose from including: Baby Girl, Baby Boy, Love (wedding), Teen Girl, Masculine, General Floral theme. Please have your theme choice ready upon registration as it will be necessary for me to order your supplies. Email me if you would like to see more sample photos!

Date: Saturday May 23rd

Time: 7-9:30pm

Cost: $20

RSVP Deadline: Friday May 8th, 2009

Class is limited to 8 spaces so RSVP early to avoid disappointment *only 5 spaces left . This is a great class to do with a group of friends if you would like to get them together and schedule an alternate date! This also makes a great event for a "tween" birthday activity. (contact me re: group discount for this event)

Hey... do you get my newsletter?

If not, you're missing out on some fabulous information including upcoming promotions from Stampin' Up as well as my own specials. Each newsletter has a coupon at the bottom for additional savings! (this month is may have something to do with SU markers and discounts up to 25%!). If you're not on my newsletter list send me your email address at ange306@shaw.ca and I'll get it out to you immediately!

Animal Crackers Class for A Cause

Animal Crackers Class For A Cause

Sunday May 31st
7:30-10pm
*afternoon class added if necessary!
Cost $40
(includes Animal Crackers Stamp Set, your own Snail and all supplies necessary to make cards)
$9 from each class participant will be donated to Children's Hospital.

Something I am a firm believer in is giving. Having lost family members to various diseases, having a child with epilepsy and having health issues myself has made me realize the importance of supporting the organizations who look for cures to the various illnesses present in our world today. I have had a lot of success introducing monthly classes which include stamp sets and I decided that if I could use that success to benefit others then it was worth a try. In the month of May I will be starting my "Class with a Cause". May's charitable organization will be the BC Children's Hospital for obvious reasons:) Every month I would love to look for a new charity to support, and I would love for you to come forth with organizations that we can donate to. I would even love to work with you to organize an event at your school, church etc. to raise funds for the cause of your choice.

This particular class will include the Animal Crackers Stamp Set. Some of you may be looking at it and thinking, "but I will never use that again". I thought that too until I saw them in person. They are adorable for children's and adult's cards alike. You will make this adorable mini magazine holder as well as five cards using the stamp set and learning a watercolouring technique. I will donate my income that I make from the class ($9 per participant) to our charity of choice for the month. If you are unable to attend the class but would like to purchase the set and the class instructions then I will be donating your portion as well!

Mother's Day Monograms or Tulipe Die Set

Mothers are the most difficult people in the world to buy for, and we all spend copious amounts of time searching for the perfect gift. Well, don't search this year, come and make your mother 6 of these adorable monogrammed notecards or 6 of the Tulipe Die Cards and this super cute colour coordinated purse as a carry case for the cards.
* Please not that handles on the purses will be chosen from a variety of other colours as I am unable to purchase the black grosgrain at this point. You will be able to choose from the following colours in regards to inks and ribbons combos :

• Bravo Burgundy
• Real Red
• Chocolate Chip
• Certainly Celery
• Old Olive
• Pumpkin Pie
• Bashful Blue
• Pretty in Pink

*You can mix and match other colours if you'd like:)

Date: Wednesday May 6th
Time: 8:00-10pm
Cost: $20 *includes all supplies necessary to complete the purse, make 6 monogrammed/ tulipe cards and 6 coordinating envelopes
RSVP Deadline: Friday May 1st

This would make a wonderful gift for anyone... not just mom!

Purchase the Lovely Letters Alphabet Stamp Set (page 148) for $50.95 + taxes and s/h and attend the class for free!

Purchase the Tulipe Die (page 196) for $25.95 +taxes and s/h and attend the class for only $10!

Free* 12x12 Scrapbook Class

Come for a night of fun as we create this 2 page 12x12 Scrapbook layout. This class is free with any purchase of $40 between April 24th and May 2nd! Club orders are excluded from this promotion. This is a great chance to try out scrapbooking if you are new to it, or just come and get a page done in a night if you aren't!

Date: Monday May 11th
Time: 7:30-9pm
Cost: *Free with $40 purchase between April 24th and May 2nd or $10 without purchase.

Additional date and time to be added as needed as original class is limited to 8 spaces!

Orders can be placed either my online ordering or directly through me!

I Need a Vacation! (PLEASE READ)

Well, I told you that I would share with you some info as to why my hubby was so supportive and gave me the amazing gift of a newly painted and organized craft room. Although Sean is the most amazing husband in the world and would do anything for me... there was also an ulterior motive in all of this for him:) When I told Sean a few months ago that I would be cutting it close to being able to earn a cruise on the South Mediterranean Sea for him and I for almost 9 days next March, his eyes got a spark in them.

"What do you mean?' he asked. I proceeded to explain to him how I was able to earn an incentive trip with Stampin' Up each year based on either sales, recruiting, or a combination of both. I noticed this last March when I signed up, but didn't take it very seriously as it looked like quite a stretch. Well, the last quarter of the Stampin' Up year is here, and it is not the stretch that I once thought. It will however require work on my part.

I am the first person to acknowledge that we get nowhere in life without the support of those around us and this cruise is no exception. I know that I am in the position that I am because of my wonderful family and friends who supported me when I first started out on this little business venture. Through them I have met many of my customers, who along the way, have become some fabulous friends. Everyone has been so encouraging and positive, especially through all that we have been through with Joe this year.

Something people either love (or dislike) about me is the fact that I am an open book. I'm not one to hide what is going on in my life... nor will I ever be. For that reason, I'm going to share with you my last push of my Stampin' Up year as I work towards achieving this goal. I have come to the realization that if I just miss making cruise, it is because I did not really start on my little Stampin' Up business until the middle of August of last year. I essentially lost July and half of August because I wasn't sure enough of myself to make a go of this. This was a lesson learned going into next year and also one that I am able to share with my recruits as they will all be in a position to earn cruise for next year.

From today until June 30th I have to sell $11 188 worth of merchandise. Some of you may be going "holy cow... that 's a lot of stuff" Well, it is, but it also includes everything that I buy as supplies for my classes etc. Is it too much... well I don't think so as I am usually pretty close to $3500 each month. I can do it. What I am asking of you is that you let me know what kinds of classes you would like to see going in to May and June? I have some fabulous new classes for you which will be coming out in my newsletter tomorrow (email me if you don't already get this and I'll add you to my list). There is also monthly coupon at the bottom of the newsletter so make sure to get your name on my list!

At the end of every week I will give you an update as to how I am doing with this goal. Be sure to check back on Sunday nights as I will post in the right hand side of my blog my updated numbers. My thank you to you will be some fabulous sales going in to May and June. I will add to Stampin' Up's sales with my own little creative sales. You will also be able to find these special offers in the right hand side of my blog! If you are willing to hostess your own Stampin' Up workshop (don't worry, you can have your friends to my house for it:), then I will make it well worth your while with "double your dollars" on your hostess benefits for all workshops booked in May and June! My hostesses also get some other fabulous gifts from me!

DON'T FEEL BAD IF I DON'T MAKE IT! I will just work harder right from the get-go next year so that I have an easier time:)

Soft Summer Sample and Sale!

Soft Summer was the adorable stamp set that Heather, Sandra and I received as our apology from Stampin' Up. Well worth it wasn't it? I absolutely loved the card that we did as a Make-n-take with this stamp set! This card was made using watercolour paper and then using Stampin' Write Markers as well as an aquapainter to get his stunning effect! We used the Naturals Ivory Cardstock for the base of this card. I have it downstairs in my collection, but it is one that I have never broken into... I'm thinking it will be a new favourite! I love how it softens the appearance of the card in comparison to using either the Very Vanilla or the Whisper White. I've included the page from the Occasions Mini so you can see the versatility of this stamp set! Do you want it? Well, place an order of $200 from today until Friday April 24th and I will throw it in for free on top of all of your other benefits right now:

• free Soft Summer Stamp Set
• Free item from Page 208 of catty
• Free Level I Hostess Set
• $20 in free Merchandise

If you'd like to earn it for yourself without spending $200, then book a workshop with me in the month of May and I'll toss it in for free if your workshop reaches $200 in sales!

Adjustments to Big Shot Club

As I have heard from a couple of people in the past 24 hours regarding the Big Shot Club, I wanted to make another option available. For those of you who already have a Big Shot, or a Cuttlebug, but still want to get in on the Big Shot Classes and fabulous deals, here is another option:

For the same $60/ month over five months you'd get:

Extended Spacer Platform $12.50
Texturz Impressions Pad $7.25
Texturz Silicone Rubber $7.25
Decorative Strip Cutting Pads $9.95
Extended Cutting Pads $24.95
Premium Crease Pad $11.25
One Bigz xl die (page 194/195) up to $47.95 in value
One Bigz die (page 196/197) up to $25.95 in value
One Strip die (page 198/199) up to $25.95 in value
One Originals die (page 199) up to $18.95 in value
One Sizzlits 4-pack (page 201) up to $25.95 in value
One Embosslits (page 202) $13.95 value
One Texturz Plates Kit (page 203) up to $14.25 value)

This is on top of the the Added Items Listed in my blog entry for the original Big Shot Club.

*make sure to contact me regarding substitutions if there are items in the list that you already have and don't want to double up on.

Samples from Regionals

I know with everything going on with my grandmother's funeral, I won't have a lot of time to craft over the next little while, so I'll share with you some of the adorable make-n-takes that we made at the Regional Conference.

One of the perks of being a demo is the fabulous events that you get to attend. At this particular one-day event, we made 6 different make-n-take projects. You definitely get your money's worth. We got the stamp set Best Wishes and More for free as this was a set used in many of the make-n-takes. I know that it isn't really free when you pay approximately $95 for the day, but it definitely makes the cost worthwhile. We also received the chipboard letters, some metal edge tags and all of the cardstock necessary for the projects.

I drove down with two members of my downline, Sandra and Heather. It was a bit of a comedy of errors on the way down. We left the North Shore by 5:20am and made fabulous time heading for the border. We were just about to take the highway exit to the Aldergrove crossing when I realized that the Aldergrove Crossing doesn't open until 8am and it was only 6am. So, we headed back for Surrey to the truck crossing. Unfortunately by the time that we got there at about 6:20am there was already a line up and only one gate open. It took us an hour to get across the border! The Conference was supposed to start at 9am and we didn't arrive until 9:25am. I was so upset as we missed some of the opening. There was a silver lining however as Stampin' Up had a problem getting enough of the stamp set we were all supposed to receive, Best Wishes and More. As an apology, they gave us another stamp set and will be sending our Best Wishes and More sets this week. So, Heather, Sandra, and I all ended up receiving two sets! I'll show you samples using both sets this week!

This particular samples was an adorable little card holder for the Scallop Notes from the catalogue, as well as three Scallop Notes cards. I will admit that I have never purchased the Scallop Notes before, but they will be on my next order. I love their tiny size; the remind me of something that you would include with a floral arrangement.

The next person to place an order of $100 or more will receive these adorable notecards for free ($13.95 +tax and s/h value)! You can either place your order online or directly through me.

Wow... I'm Pretty!

Any of you who have spent time with me have heard the saying that my husband uses when I do something particularly unintelligent:) When I doing something that really makes no sense at all, Sean looks at me and says, "wow, you're pretty!" On that note, I realized that I left a post the day of Regionals and never posted the card that I made for my swap, so I thought I'd share it with you today. This is the adorable new stamp set from the Occasions Mini called "And Many Mower". My dad is a golfer so this set called out to me when I saw it.

Me and Brad Pitt! (well...not exactly...)

If you're having trouble understanding the title of my post today, look back at my post from Leadership Convention in January. I thought that I would share something with you today that brought me joy on a sad day. Yesterday, before I had knowledge of what had transpired with my grandmother, I was having an amazing day. I was attending the Regional Stampin' Up conference in Seattle. Much to my surprise, the head of Stampin' Up, Shelli Gardner was there. I had seen her at Leadership Conference in Orlando and I knew that she would be at Convention in Utah, but I wasn't expecting her at an event this size. As usual, she was her amazing self and this time I kept it together enough to have my photo taken with her. I did not blather like a fool, but instead laughed as I retold her the story of my first "Shelli sighting" in Orlando this year. She laughed and said that it obviously wasn't as embarrassing as I'd thought because she never even noticed my stammering:) Sean laughed when he saw the photo and said that I looked like a child having my photo taken with Santa Claus! Can you tell from my tired eyes that I had to get up at 4:45am to drive down to Seattle?????

Well, as usual I am using my crafting for therapy. I have been working on a photo board for my grandmother's funeral service Ontario. Although the tears are flowing as I look through old photos, it is definitely therapeutic. Thank you for your kind messages and phone calls.

A Difficult Day

Although yesterday was amazing, I came home to some very difficult news. My grandmother passed away yesterday while I was in Seattle. Her health has been rapidly declining over the past few months and she was very much at peace with leaving this world. She was the most amazing woman and I had the privilege of being her granddaughter.

I spent spring break last month back in the Thunder Bay. I took my little boys for a visit with their great grandmother. Not many kids are lucky enough to have that opportunity.

I can't describe the ache that I am feeling right now. I know that what I am feeling is very selfish as she is no longer in any pain, but I will miss her more than words can express.

It is strange how connected we are to people who we care about... I had just stepped out of the conference room yesterday for a coffee when I felt the pressing urge to call my parents who were with my grandma in Ontario. My father told me lastnight that I called as my grandmother took her last breath. My parents didn't tell me when I called as they said my grandmother would have never forgiven them for telling me then. She always worried about all of us before anything else. I do have one source of comfort in all of this... my grandfather passed away when I was five years old, and for the past 29 years I have listened to my grandma talk about "papa" like a love struck teenager. He was the love of her life and they are finally together again.

This is one of the wonderful pictures I was able to get while I was in Thunder Bay in March.

Guess Where I Am Today?

Well, Sean is on dad duty today as I am off to Seattle with the ladies! Today is one of the Regional Conferences for Stampin' Up. This will be the first Regionals that I've attended and I'm really looking forward to it after having gone to Leadership Conference in Orlando this January. This is also my lead up to Convention in Salt Lake City Utah this year; my plane ticket is purchased and I am counting down the days.

I really don't have any idea of how many people to expect at an event like the one today, but I've prepared my swap cards. My only goal for swaps this time around was to take more than I took to Leadership in January. I managed to have 50 ready that time. This is one of the cards that I designed to swap with Father's Day looming on the horizon.

If the idea of going to a Conference with a whack of other people with the same paper crafting obsession that so many of us seem to have is appealing to you, then you need to read yesterday's blog post about the fabulous promotion I'm offering those signing up as part of my team between now and May 4th!

Have You Been Thinking About Joining?

If you've been thinking about joining Stampin' Up... now's the time! I'm attending the Regional Conference today in Seattle, and because I've spent my money in attending... Stampin' Up is letting me give those interested in signing up under me a deal! I am able to offer you $60 off of the price of the Starter Kit...that makes it only $189, and on top of that there is no shipping and only one tax. This is an absolutely fabulous deal! In order to take advantage of this we have to mail in your demonstrator application form... you can't complete the online one:( Now, if you are an "instant gratification" person like me... this could be a real letdown, so I'll tell you what I'll do... I'll cover the courier costs to get your documents to Stampin' Up overnight! That way it is as good as doing an online registration! I am only able to offer this incentive until May 4th which actually will mean May 1st if I'm going to courier your documents. Don't miss out... Stampin' Up absolutely will not extend this deadline. Talk to me if you'd like to discuss the benefits of being a demonstrator!

Big Shot Club is Here!

I've decided to take the plunge and start a Big Shot Club... now all I need is for some of you to take the plunge and join it:) Now's the time for all of you Cuttlebug owners out the there to make the jump (and yes...I was a Cuttlebug junkie until last July!) Although both products are amazing... the Cuttlebug was limiting my size of die capabilities! I put mine on Craigslist and it was gone in days! Then I had a much easier time justifying my new purchase, and I'm going to help you even more! Here's the scoop:

BIG SHOT CLUB
What You Get:

Big Shot Starter Kit

• Big Shot Die Cut Machine
• Multipurpose Platform and Standard Cutting Pads
• 2 Stampin' Up Exclusive BigZ Dies (Scallop Envelope and Top Note)
• One Stampin' Up Exclusive Sizzlits 4-pack (birds and Blooms)
• One Stampin' Up Exclusive Decorative Strip (Decorative Strip Billboard)
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pads and Extended Spacer Platform

Added Items

• One Level I Hostess Set
• $20 in free Catalogue Merchandise
  
• five monthly classes creating items with the Big Shot (May, June, July, August, September)
  
• One Free Die (up to $23.95 in value)
• option to purchase additional dies at a 10% discount during your time in the Big Shot Club
  

• One Item from Page 208 (*only available for those who register before April 30th)
  

Cost:$300 (5 monthly payments of $60)

The first 4 people to sign up for this club will also get to choose a Sizzlits die from page 200 ( up to $5.95 value) for free!

If you don't live in the Lower Mainland, but do live in Canada and would like to take advantage of this offer, I can have your kit sent directly to you. I will also send you monthly plans for our projects!

A CASE Gone Astray

I came across a card on Mary Tish's Blog the other day, and I was in love. This woman has talent coming out of every pore! I needed a masculine birthday card so I decided that since I only had fifteen minutes that it was in everyone's best interest if I just case'd her card. As I was making it, several errors led to the creation of another card along the same lines:) I put my brads in too close to the center so the word "celebrate" would not fit in between them. The Basic Gray looked bleak in the center, so I went for a slightly larger rectangle and then rolled it with my Jumbo Roller. I tied the card together by rolling the same stamp on the inside. I love how Mary incorporated the circle into the card... this is something that I love the look of but never think of doing. My new circle cutter has definitely made this easier!

After I was done, I remembered that I had another birthday card that needed to be done for tomorrow. The one for tomorrow needed to be feminine though so I chose my pink pirouette to combine with the Basic Gray. It did end up having an even different appearance as I added several small circles in the Pink Pirouette and the Basic Gray in random places all over the card to tie in with the large circle on the left. I bet you're wondering why I am describing it to you instead of showing you... well I forgot to take a picture of it before I put it in the envelope:) Pretty smart eh? Maybe I'll convince her to let me take a photo after she opens it:)

Showing Off:)

My sister-in-law is starting to show me up:) When I signed up with Stampin' Up as a demonstrator last March, my addiction rubbed off on Megan. She regularly attends my classes and is part of my monthly club. Somehow, she always finds cute little projects to case so that our kids get different gifts from "Auntie Mugs" than the ones that mommy did. Where she finds the time is beyond me as she has a one and two year old and works at two jobs! I heard from a source that her hubby even took part in making these! (I could be in huge trouble for letting that info out:) The best part was the dig my little boys made at me when they saw her's..."Auntie Mug's Easter baskets are bigger than your's mommy" Where's the loyalty:) The boys love them Mugs... thank you!

More Summer Love Rub-Ons

Here are some more of the Summer Love Rub Ons that I am in love with ! As I mentioned before, I'm already on my second package of them! I was having fun with the new Jumbo brads on this card too! This would be one of those cards that you just may have to pay extra postage on:)

Hey... do you want to the Rub-Ons too? Place an order of $120+ this weekend and I'll throw in the Rub-Ons as well! Check on my earlier post today for more details! Remember this offer is only good until 11:59pm on April 13th! This is not a Stampin' Up special... but an Angela special only!

As Promised

You're probably looking at this photo trying to figure out what I was doing...let's just say that photographing a card with a window sheet front is not easy:) I kept getting myself in the photo, which isn't the prettiest sight... I'm still in my PJ's! I've searched high and low for the creator of this card as I cased it. I've been unable to find it as of yet... if you know who it is or if it is you please let me know so I can give credit! I've attached this Printed Window Sheet with the mini glue dots and strategically hid it behind leaves and ribbons. The adorable stamp is from the new set that coordinates with the Matchbox Die. I love it... actually, I love anything that allows me to stamp on punched out pieces or vice cersa. This card is very effective in person as the black/ white contrast is striking! The printed window sheets in the catty come with two complete sheets, each with four designs on them. This give you 8 quick card fronts, or many more if you cut them into smaller pieces. I really love the polka dot one!

As an Easter Weekend Special... any order of $50 or more this weekend will get a free set of the Clearly Thanks Printed Window Sheets as my gift to you! ($8.25 value). I will carry this special on for any orders placed Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday either directly through me or through my online ordering! (I'll mail them out to you if you place your order online and don't live in the Lower Mainland, otherwise you can pick up from me next time I see you:) An even better idea if you live off the North Shore would be to put an order together with you and some friends so that you can have it shipped directly to you at the discounted price for orders $100+ (10% shipping instead of the standard $9.95 for all orders under $100)

Bunnies, bunnies, everywhere!

Well, these are the two adorable little projects we will be making tonight at my little appreciation event for people who placed $50+ orders at my Occasions Mini Open House. I wish I could take credit for creating them, but the card was created by Jackie Topa and the basket by Amy Celona. They are so cute in person. Now I just have to make the ones for my boys... maybe I'll actually sit down and do them with the ladies at my class tomorrow night:)

It's going to be a little odd in that I have to hold my class in my dining room. I had a class last Sunday night in my basement as usual, and when Sean went down in the morning he was trying to figure out what it was that I had attached to the wall. He said that it was about the size of a cantalope. Upon closer inspection he realized that it was a GIANT water bubble under the paint. He then noticed that on a beautiful sunny day there was water pouring down the window... on the inside! Yes, our kitchen leaked into the basement kitchen and did some SERIOUS damage. All that caused it was the spray nozzle from the kitchen sink had loosened off over time and every time we turned on the tap it was pouring out. (yes... leave the computer and go and check your's now:) So, it looks like I have a couple of weeks of classes in my dining room. Our insurance company has been amazing as on right on top of everything, thank goodness!

Stampin' Up Introduces Window Sheets!

In the new Occasions Mini that I've been raving about, it may be easy to miss, but Stampin' Up has added these new fabulous window sheets. For any of you who've ever used overhead transparencies in your crafting... these will awe you! The quality and thickness is like nothing I've ever used. This particular card was based on one that is on the cover the Mini Occasions. I altered the layout slightly as well as the colour of cardstock used. I know that it's hard to see from the white background, but if you look carefully you'll notice that the envelope as well as the card were done with the new Rub Ons. (I'm already on my second package:) Tomorrow I'll share a card that I cased using the printed window sheets!

Carousel Notes Purse Class Photos

Well, my Carousel Notes Purse class is coming up on April 24th from 7:30-9:30pm. I chose the Sweet Slumber Textured DSP for this particular purse because the colours were so fresh and "springy" (probably not a word in the context I'm using it:) This class is $15 and limited to 8 people. Please RSVP no later that 5pm on April 13th if you'd like to attend! Some of you must wonder why the RSVP dates are so much earlier than the actual classes; I just need time to order extra supplies if needed. This was a hit last year with my mom for Mother's Day. I've found it harder and harder to buy for her every year as like many adults, she seems to buy something when she really wants it. The fact that it was filled with adorable pictures of her three children, two son-in-laws and four grandchildren helped too!

My Adorable Niece and a Direct Catty Case!

This stunning young lady is my adorable niece Sophie. As I sat looking at the Occasions Mini one night I came across a scrapbook page, and the eyes of the young lady in it reminded me of Sophie's. Joe and Lucas as well as their cousins, Sophie and Jack, went to the park on Friday to play. I managed to get a few shots of Sophie that, as always, were absolutely adorable. When I came home from the park and started to work on a scrapbook page sample, Sophie's picture was the obvious choice! Something that I did on this page that I've never done before was to do my journalling on the computer and then just run my cardstock through to print it. Now I can't wait for Stampin' Up's digital scrapbooking program to come out:)

I Love Picking Winners and Giving Things Away!

I drew from the people who made purchases at my Open House on Saturday and ... Lisa Gregson is the winner! She won the free merchandise as well as a Level I hostess set! Congratulations Lisa!

Fifth Avenue Flowers Class

I just thought that I would get off of my buns and show you the samples for my upcoming Fifth Avenue Floral Class on April 22nd from 7:30-9:30pm. We will be making this adorable purse as well as the four cards. You get all of this for $36! The cost of the stamp set on its own would be $36.89, so $36 is a great deal for the stamp set, adorable purse and four cards and envelopes if you were thinking about getting it! The deadline for RSVPing to this class is April 8th so that I can guarantee arrival of your stamps before the class. As an added bonus, if you order it at the time of registration for the class, you can also purchase the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Folder for $9.50 (no tax or s/h added!) This class is limited to 8 spots so RSVP early to avoid disappointment.

I Didn't Disappear:)

I just realized tonight that it has been awhile since I posted a picture of some project or card that I've been working on. I've been so busy getting everything ready for Open House today that I really hadn't sat down at the computer! Anyway, now I have a pile of photos ready for the next two weeks as I show you all of the fun things that I'd been making in preparation for today. I was really trying to have some samples of many of the new items in the Occasions Mini to show off. What I didn't realize was how much fun I was going to have doing that. I've now become Rub-On obsessed. I can't believe that I hadn't made more use of my rub-ons before!

This was the card that everyone made for the make-n-take today. I cased to original idea from Patty Bennett and then made some minor changes; I really wanted to add another colour to the card, and according to the Stampin' Up colour wheel, Pumpkin Pie was it. It was not a combo I would have ever chosen, but I really liked the final look. I'm also in love with this white organza ribbon now; it better make the next catalogue!

Thanks again to all of you who attended today; I had a great time!

April Stamp Set Giveaway!

Well, here is the April set called Congrats! For those of you who missed getting it during Sale-a-bration this is your chance. This set has some fabulous sentiments to cover hard to find occasions like retirement, anniversaries and marriages. As always, your name is entered once for every $25 you spend during the month of April (ex. if you spend $100 then your name will be entered 4 times:). The only purchase that does not count towards this draw is your initial $25 club orders for those of you in club, but everything else above and beyond get you a chance to win. Good luck!

And the Winner is...

Well, I put Lucas to work this afternoon drawing the winner of the March stamp set giveaway shown here. He's a safe bet seeing as he still can't recognize any words other than his own name:) Joe is now becoming the king of spelling words out so I'm going to have to avoid letting him pick:) The winner of the March stamp set is Jennifer Warren! Congratulations Jen! You can come by and pick it up anytime! Check my next post for April's stamp set!

Reminder for Occasions Mini Catalogue Open House

Where: My House

When: Saturday April 4th

1-3pm

RSVP: By April 2nd to have a make-n-take ready for you

Come and check out all of the new and exciting things in the the new Occasions Mini Catalogue, watch demonstrations with the new products, have the opportunity to win some fabulous door prizes, view upcoming class samples, and just have a great time!

On top of the fabulous Get Connected Promotion for $50 orders from the Occasions Mini, all orders of $50+ placed at my Open House will receive a free Easter Bunny card class! This is an adorable Easter card that I cased from Jackie Topa. There will be two sittings for this class on April 9th, each limited to 8 people. Additional classes will be added if needed.

*Bring a friend who is new to me and receive a special gift for both of you!

There will be a draw on April 5th for all people who attended to win the hostess benefits from the Open House!! (Guaranteed to be at least $20 in free merchandise + a Level I hostess set)

********FREE SHIPPING!***************

Sizzix Pop Up 3-D dies now available!

Today you can start ordering the new 3-D Dies from Sizzix. By clicking HERE you can check out the flyer for these fabulous new products! If you haven't seen these in person yet, make sure to check out the samples at my Open House!

Occasions Mini Catalogue Ordering Starts today!

Today is the start of the Occasions Mini Catalogue ordering! I'm sure that I'll be placing orders every couple of days if your reaction to it is the same as mine! There are so many fabulous new things in it! Don't miss my Open House this Saturday to check them out. Make sure to RSVP so that I have a make-n-take ready for you. To view this mini catalogue, click on the catty image in my sidebar! Remember to check yesterday's post for the fabulous Get Connected Promotion which is designed specifically for ordering from this mini!