Last Chance List Announced!

 Here is the list of stamp sets on the Last Chance List!  Don't miss out... the countdown is on!

Make sure to check out the Last Chance Accessories... there are some fabulous deals and these are only available while supplies last!  Click on my Shop Now button to check it out!

Finally make sure to check out the Last Chance List for the Definitely Decorative Catalog!


Click Here to Place an Order

$119 Starter Kit Promotion!

$119 Starter Kit Promotion
From June 1-30, 2010, you can start your own Stampin’ Up! business for just $119 with the special Mini Starter Kit!
The Mini Starter Kit—valued at over $220—contains the items listed below; while all items are recommended, you can substitute a like item of equal or lesser value.

• Watercolor Trio stamp set (wood-mount)
• I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (clear-mount)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Homemade single stamp*
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2” x 11”)
• Brights Collection assorted card stock (8-1/2” x 11”)*
• Melon Mambo Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad*
• Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Basic Black 1/8” taffeta ribbon*
• Color Coach*
• SNAIL Adhesive

*Sneak peek items!
The Mini Starter Kit also includes the same business supplies that are in the standard Starter Kit. Plus, new demonstrator who join Stampin’ Up! in June, you will receive a free box of 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogues during the first part of July!
Contact me today to get started!

What Did You Do With Your Country Living Kit?

Like anything else with Stampin' Up's name on it... I just have to have it!  This was one of those times that I wondered why I had to have it when I picked it up three months later:)  So, I sat down and came up with a plan to use it.  Included in this package were:  12 Very Vanilla Envelops, 24 Printed pieces of cardstock (5 1/2" x 8 1/2"), a Ballet Blue Stampin' Spot and an adorable little stamp set called Dinner Party.  As the promotion is over, I thought it was ridiculous for me to have the pieces lying around.  I designed a few quick cards and two hours later I had 24 fabulous thank yous ready to go for my end of year!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Pedaling Past, Watercolor Trio, Thank You Kindly, Itty Bitty Bits
Paper: Blush Blossom, Apricot Appeal, Ballet Blue, Whisper White, Vary Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip,
Embellishments:  Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Brocade Blue Grosgrain, Linen Thread, Fresh Favorites Buttons I & II, Buttons Latte
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots
Punches: Trio Punch Pack

Working With Inspirations

Well, Joe came into my craft room this morning in his pj's and there may as well have been alarms going off!  I saw these PJ's and instantly thought of the Extreme Elements stamp set.  I thought about using Just Biking with it, but it seemed to childish, so instead I opted for the Extreme Dirt Bike stamp. Talk about a speedy card!  I love the effect of off setting the dirt bike and stamping it twice.  I stamped off the stamp before I did the shadow image:)  Today is Joe's 6th Birthday so this card seemed fitting to post:)

Happy Birthday Joe!!!!!!!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Extreme Elements, Extreme Dirt Bike,  A Little Birthday Cheer
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Dusty Durango, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue, Old Olive
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig
Adhesives: Snail

Random Acts of Kindness

As I've said before, one of the best parts about my involvement with Stampin' Up is the friendships that I've made.  Whether it is my amazing customers, my downline, sideline, or upline or just other demonstrators that I've met at Stampin' Up events.  It seems that crafters have one thing in common... they are all the nicest people in the world.

I received the most beautiful little thank you card from a customer the other day.  Somehow I can't get through to my customers that I'm the one who needs to be saying thank you!

The second card that I've shown here goes sooooooo far beyond a random act of kindness... more like a random act of GREATNESS!!!!  One of the fabulous demos, Jane N. from Hawaii, that I met, did the most amazing thing.  I was telling her how in love my sister is with the SU rubber boots that we received at Leadership.  I really like to get my sis a special gift at the end of the school year to say thank you with all of her help with my boys.  Anyway, a parcel arrived in the mail the other day from Jane!!!!  She sent me the boots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (she had explained that she really didn't have much use for them in Hawaii)  My husband and I were floored.  THANK YOU JANE:)  (watch the mail:)  In addition to the boots was a package of Hershey Kisses with Macadamia Nuts and the gorgeous card that she did with the Awash with Flowers stamp set!!!!!

I honestly don't know what I would do without all of these wonderful people in my life now!

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Yikes!!!!!

SU just announced that more items are GONE FOR GOOD!

100038: Mellow Moss Stampin' Write marker
100039: Barely Banana Stampin' Write marker
100043: Almost Amethyst Stampin' Write marker

Click Here to Place an Order

So Sweet

I love these new Mini Favor boxes.  I think they would be so adorable for a birthday party to fill with little treats for the party guests, or you could use them for a workshop with individual little stampin' spots and a single stamp for your guests!

I used the slot punch to create the little hole for the belly band to go through as I liked the looked of the box much better with the little tabs sticking up.  The colours on these boxes make me think of jelly beans!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s):  Tart n' Tangy, Family Phrases
Paper: Party Favor Boxes
Ink:  Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie
Embellishments:  Metal Rim Tags
Tools: Hole Punch, Paper Snips
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals
Punches: Horizontal Slot Punch

Thank You Stampin' Up

It seems that Stampin' Up listened as we were all soooo disappointed that they had run out of these new albums so quickly.  Check out today's message to demos:

 

Old Olive Polka-Dot album unavailable until end of July

May 27, 2010

Our inventory of Old Olive Polka-Dot 6" x 6" Designer printed albums (item 119833) has been depleted and will be unavailable to order until we receive more at the end of July.

 As soon as they are available for order again I will let you know:)

Click Here to Place an Order

Look Mom... no stamps! (ok... just one:)

Wow... was this ever fun!  I decided that I wasn't going to pull out my stamps today, but I was going to instead use up a package of Rub Ons.  I slipped a little with the sentiment from Great Friend, but my Chit Chat Rub Ons weren't the right colour:) This was quick and easy and used up one entire sheet of the rub ons!  I even had enough on the sheet to make coordinating envelopes.  My inspiration for this whole project was the Sweet Sunday sketch this week... that was where the first card came from:)

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Great Friend
Rub Ons: Dotted Delicates
Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Bravo Burgundy
Ink: Always Artichoke
Embellishments: Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain
Tools: Bone Folder
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #21

This week's Stampin' Royalty Challenge is this fabulous colour combo (Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink and Rich Razzleberry)!  I've been dying to use this set... partially because I'm really lazy and I love any stamp set that has coordinating punches:)  I love the way that this card came out... it feels very "new baby girl" to me:)  Make sure to go and check out the fabulous creations by the Design Team members, and head on over to Sarah's blog to check out her's!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Punched Posies
Paper: Certainly Celery,  Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery
Embellishments:  Pretty In Pink Satin Ribbon
Tools: Paper Snips
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals
Punches: Butterfly, Five Petal Flower

New Summer Mini Item No Longer Available:(

It seems that with the Color Renovation, people are taking the phrase "while supplies last" very seriously.  It seems that the following item from the new mini which was listed as while supplies last has sold out in a matter of three and a half weeks!

119833: Old Olive Polka-Dot 6" x 6" Designer printed album

If you've been eying the Bashful Blue Herringbone Album, make sure to order it now!


Click Here to Place an Order

New Digital Downloads Available!

Item	Description	Price
122138	Ticket Corner Punch	$1.25
122139	Boho Blossoms Punch	$1.25
122140	Cog Punch	$1.25
122141	Itty Bitty Shapes Punch	$1.25

Click Here to Place an Order

More Items Gone for Good:(

12x12" Close to Cocoa cardstock No Longer Available

Click Here to Place an Order

More Fun With MDS

I needed 16 invitations for the parents in my class who have volunteered this year.  We do a Volunteer Tea for those amazing parents every year and classroom teachers are responsible for the standard invitations which are photocopied by the office.  (Did I hear you gasp in horror too?)  I can't bear the idea of those simple invites going home to parents who have been so generous with their time.  I wanted something special for my parents, but I also knew that with 16 to make it couldn't be too complicated.  When I showed that card the other day that was cased from Gretchen Barron, I decided that these were the right idea!  I admit that the one done using YoYo Yellow and Dusty Durango is my ABSOLUTE hands down favourite!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Thank You Kindly
Paper:  YoYo Yellow, Dusty Durango, Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Lovely Lilac
Ink:  Lovely Lilac, Dusty Durango
Adhesives: Snail
MDS:  Summer Splendor DSP Pack

Notice Anything In Common?

No, you're not crazy... that Flip video machine matches the new Tropical Party DSP from the Summer Mini. Guess why???  Stampin' Up gave it to me!  Actually, I won it on the cruise....sweet eh?  I am absolutely in love with it... thank you Stampin' Up!  I don't know how to explain how amazing Stampin' Up is when it comes to how much they appreciate their demonstrators and how much they show it!  I don't know if you've heard, but Stampin' Up has already announced their next incentive trip for April of 2012.  If you're signed up as a demo by June 30th 2010, you can earn it!  I would love to work with you to motivate you and show you how I did it.  For those of you who've been humming and hawing about joining, now is a fabulous time!  Especially for those of you who join by May 26th... yes, that's in two days:)  For anyone joining with me today or tomorrow or the 26th, I've got a super duper incentive for you!  For every two people who join, I will give away one copy of My Digital Studio!  That means that if you can convince a friend to join with you, it is a guarantee that one of you will get your own My Digital Studio in addition to all of the amazing things in the Starter Kit!  To sign up, all you need to do is call me and I can get it done in a matter of minutes, or you can do it yourself by heading over to my Stampin' Up Website, click on Start Your Own Business, then click on Join Now on the left hand side.  My password to register is scrapaholic  (you're not surprised are you??)  I am only able to sign up new demos here in Canada:)

Click Here to Place an Order

Birthday Invites

With all of the Coffee House cards I was prepping last week, Joe's birthday invitations kept getting pushed aside.  When I looked at the calendar lastnight and realized that it was 13 days away, I realized it was now or never!  (or I was going to have to buy invitations... ahhhhhhhhhhh)  Joe has insisted on a birthday cake that looks like a baseball diamond this time around so I was relieved when it came to the ease of the invitations.  It is hard to tell from the photos, but I sponged the cloud background in using a scallop circle scrap and my Bashful Blue Ink.   Twelve invitations later and a little driving around today and they are all out!  

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Just Baseball, Family Phrases, Introducing
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Green Galore, Brilliant Blue, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Basic Black, Brilliant Blue,  Close to Cocoa, Barely Banana, Summer Sun, Bashful Blue, Real Red
Sizzix: Assorted Dies
Tools: Paper Snips, Color Spritzer
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" circle
Adhesives: Snail

Mojo Monday Week 139

I finally have all of my "to do" items done and the calendar is clear for a few days before my Grade Seven year end events begin to take over my life.  I was really looking forward to coming down to my room and just playing with a sketch.  I loved the Mojo Monday one this week, so I scanned my new stamps for an image that was the approximate size of the centerpiece and then I was off!  Pedaling Past is an ADORABLE set.  I will admit that it was not in my initial Summer Mini order, but shortly after seeing samples with it, you can bet I ordered it!  I love the sentiment, "Enjoy the Journey" that came with this set.  I am always looking for sentiments appropriate for my students card as they leave Elementary school and head off for highschool.  The To The Nines Specialty Paper was perfect with the subdued colours.   I was a little sad though as I cut up my Sage Shadow cardstock... this one is gone!  No more Sage Shadow cardstock left with Stampin' Up.  I don't think any of us anticipated how quickly these colours would go!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Pedaling Past
Paper: To the Nines Specialty Paper, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments:  Clear Buttons, Vintage Brads, Linen Thread
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips, Clear Blocks
Punches: Ticket Punch
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals

More Items Gone:(

Sage Shadow 8 1/2 x 11" is also gone now...

Click Here to Place an Order

New Catty Sneak Peek!

Guess what, the brand new 2010/2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog went on sale today for demonstrators!  It is absolutely gorgeous... I had the cover blown up on my screen so that I could look for any hints as to new items:)  Customers that order from me frequently, as well as my club members will get theirs free. These catties are shipped to demos in mid June so that we can distribute them to our customers for the July 1st launch.  Demos also receive their own complimentary copy when we place our first order in June.

P.S. If you sign up to become a Stampin' Up demo starting in June you will get a box of the current catalogs PLUS a box of the brand new catalogs for free with your starter kit!  If you are thinking of joining...now is a great time... a discount and a sneak peek at the catty!!!  I would love to have you as part of my West Coast Creators team no matter what your interest in SU is (a hobbyist, a business builder, or just for the discount:)  Drop me an email or phone call and I can give you all the details to get you started!

Click Here to Place an Order

Added to the List

Only Orange 8 1/2x11" cardstock has now been added to the 12x12" Sage Shadow Cardstock that are no longer available through Stampin' Up!  

Click Here to Place an Order

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #20

This week's Stampin' Royalty challenge is an amazing sketch!  I love it... partially because I am partial to symmetry and this sketch seems to have just enough for me!  I also had sooooooo much fun playing with the new Smooch Spritz and the Presto Patterns DSP.  I have to be honest, I think that are only two things in the new mini that I didn't purchase; it's that good!  Thank goodness for the demonstrator discount!  Make sure to come over and play and don't forget to check out the amazing samples from the other design team members! Make sure to go and check out Sarah's blog for more inspiration!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Elements of Style, Watercolour Trio
Paper: Presto Patterns DSP, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Smooch Spritz (Log Cabin)
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips, Spinge Daubers
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals

No Time, but Fabulous CASE:)

Tomorrow is my last day with my Grade Seven students before their big Coffee House.  As a result, I've been prepping their final cards for over three hours tonight:)  No time for me, but I did manage a little blog surfing before dinner and came across these fabulous cards by Gretchen Barron. 
I thought that I would give them a quick try, but soon realized that I was out of some of my colours of computer ink:)  The stems on this particular digital image are actually green, but I still thought that it was gorgeous.  A quick stamp with the Thank You Kindly stamp set and I was done.  These will be perfect for the parent volunteers who are helping with Sports Day this week!

Click Here to Place an Order


Paper: Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Clack
Adhesives: Snail
MDS: Summer Splendor DSP

New My Digital Studio Downloads Available

Item	Description	Price
121069	Go Graduate Plus stamp brush set  $7.95
122143	Jumbo Outline Alphabet stamp brush set $13.25
122145	Contempo Alphabet stamp brush set   $13.25

Click Here to Place an Order

Colours are Starting to Sell Out!

Just a quick note to let you know that 107079: Sage Shadow card stock (12" x 12") is now sold out!  It will no longer be available for order. This may be the case with several of your favourite retiring colours as we approach the Last Chance List on June 1st.  If there is an ink colour, refill, paper or ribbon that you know that you can't live without, don't miss out!

Click Here to Place an Order

My Prince Charming

If you haven't got to check out our Stampin' Royalty blog ths week, now's the time!  This week's theme is family!

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New Digital Downloads Available!

Item	Description	Price
121067	Summer Splendor Designer Series paper	$6.95
121068	Geometric Lines Designer Series paper	$6.95
122142	Presto Patterns Overlays stamp brush set	$5.95

Item	Description	Price
121065	Athletic Department stamp brush set - digital download	$9.95
122263	Jersey stamp brush set - digital download	$13.25
122264	Scoreboard stamp brush set - digital download	$7.95

 Well, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I'm finally getting caught up with everything that seemed to get pushed back while I was on vacation.  I just wanted to let you see some of the fabulous new Digital Downloads that Stampin' Up has released!  If you haven't purchased your copy of My Digital Studio, now is the time!  You can take advantage of the National Scrapbooking Promotion when you purchase it before May 31st, and choose a set of the following Designer Brads for free!

Page	Description	Item	Price
32*	My Digital Studio	118108	$106.95

*From Summer Mini Catalogue

Designer brads

Page	Description	Item	Retail Price	Price with Qualifying Purchase
179	Flower Designer brads	112579	$8.50	FREE
179	Filigree Designer brads	112577	$8.50	FREE
179	Circle Designer brads	112571	$8.50	FREE
179	Star Designer brads	112572	$8.50	FREE

Click Here to Place an Order

So Flattered:)

I was thrilled to other day to receive two blog awards.  I love knowing that people are out there reading my blog and the fact that you like it makes it even more worth it!

Here are the rules for the sunshine award:

1. Put the Sunshine Award on your blog and/or within your post.

2. Pass the award to 12 other bloggers.

3. Link the nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

I received my award from:
Lorraine's Stampin' Corner

Here are some of my favourite blog picks from very creative and talented stampers in my downline as well as some fabulous others that I "stalk":

1. The Inked Stamper

2. Little Miss Scrapalicious

3. Stamper on the Shore

4. All Inked Up

5.  Shimmy's Crafty Teaching

6. Tea Lover

7. Urban Paper Paradise

8. Chic n'Scratch

9. Patty's Stamping Spot

10. Stampin' Pretty

11. Hands On

12. iStamp

I also found out that I got this blog award from an amazing friend Sabriena Satchwell. Make sure to check out her blog as she has some blog candy available until the end of today!
With this award I am suppose to tell you 10 things about me:
1. I was a dance teacher for 13 years.
2. I love flannel pjs.
3. Peanut M&M's are my favourite sweet!
4. I lived on Slurpees while pregnant with Joe.
5. I'm scared of what's at the bottom of the lake!
6. I knew that I would marry my hubby the first time I saw him.
7. I secretly LOVE rap music!
8. Blueberry Pie is my favourite dessert.
9. I still want my mom around when I'm sick.
10. My husband spoils me rotten!

Now I have to pass this on to 10 of my favourite blogs.  (especially those in my WCC team:)
1. Meilani Smith
2. Sabriena Satchwell
3. Mary Fish
4. Sandra Farrell
5. Sarah Newman
6. Shanda Stirk
7. Heather Johnston
8. Dawn Pritchard
9. Angie Juda
10. Patty Bennett

Click Here to Place an Order

Coffee House Fundraiser

Every year we have a Coffee House at our school in May.  My grade sevens make cards and sell them as a fundraiser for their year end activities.  I design three or four different cards and every child makes one of each.  This is one of the designs that they'll be making this week.   I absolutely love cardmaking with my students.  The best part is seeing the pride in their faces when their project comes out looking the way that they want it to.  (this isn't always the case with standard art projects in Elementary school:)  The only difference between the students' cards are that we usually vary the sentiments on the cards.   This new Watercolour Trio stamp set is perfect for this as it has a birthday, and thank you and a general greeting.  I love it!

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Watercolour Trio
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Bordering Blue
Ink: Always Artichoke, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue
Embellishments: Mellow Moss Taffeta
Sizzix: Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects
Punches: Scallop Oval, Large Oval

Leaping for LEGO:)

 I had so much fun today... Lucas needed a birthday card for a party tomorrow.  The invitation that was sent out had a picture of Lego on the front so I decided to stick with the theme.  I wish I'd thought of this a few weeks back when I was struggling for something to do with Stampin' Royalty's punch theme:)  Lucas was so excited when he saw the finished product... there is nothing I love more than seeing my little boys truly appreciate a card that mommy made:)

One of my downline Sandra Farrell is also a DT member at Practical Scrappers and she let me know that the challenge this week is using punches, so I thought that I'd enter my card:)

Click Here to Place an Order
Stamp Set(s): Family Phrases
Paper: Brilliant Blue, YoYo Yellow, Only Orange, Glorious Green, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Brilliant Blue
Embellishments: White Signo Gel Pen
Tools: Paper Snips, Sponge Daubers
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals
Punches:  3/4" Circle, Modern Label, Word Window