Making a Point

What is your favorite part of stamping? Is it being creative? Making cards for family and friends? Creating gifts to give someone? One of my favorite parts of being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator is getting together with others who share my love of stamping and learning from each other.

Once a month we have a meeting where we demos come together. These ladies have become wonderful friends, who’s friendships I cherish. After all where else can you walk into a room, not know anyone, and speak the same language? A stamping event of course! Stamping is the bond that ties us even though we come from all walks of life. How cool is that,  right?

The fun of these meetings include swapping ideas – want to see some of the cards I received? Well here are two –

Making a Point Stamp Divas Swap March 2014 Marni

This first one is from Marni and is done in Melon Mambo. She used the fun Making a Point Hostess Set (133056/133059) from the Occasions Catalog as the focal point of this card. If you knew Marni you’d know she just loves shoes, so this is so her! Do you recognize the Washi Tape? Well, it is part of the Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape (129134).

Wetlands Stamp Divas Swap March 2014 Bonnie

This second card is from Bonnie and it uses one of my favorite stamp sets from the 2013 Catalog, Wetlands (126695/126697). I especially love the font used for the sentiments in this set. A great guy card, right? And don’t you love the bright cheerful colors she used?

Stop back tomorrow when I’ll be sharing another card I received from the team swap.

If getting together with others who love to stamp sounds like something you may enjoy – why not think about joining my Team, The Blue Mountain Stampers. Not only will you be able to meet new friends, but you’ll be part of my team meetings and get to share and learn new things with us. Want to learn more about joining my team. Click HERE and then contact me to talk. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Whether to support your hobby or earn a little extra cash – it’s a win, win. Especially today, when you can get to choose an additional $25 in product for your kit! There is a special deal during Sale-a-bration – but you’ll have to hurry since Sale-a-bration ends today!

Remember today is the last day for not just Sale-a-bration, but also the Best of Stamps Celebrating 25 Years of Stampin’ Up!, our Weekly Deals, and joining Paper Pumpkin and receiving a FREE set of 2012-2014 In Color Markers. You can find all the links below.

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code JZT4F3F2

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals March 25 2014

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 31st, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

paper pumpkin promotion header image

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

Image of all Best of stamp sets

Best Of Stamp Sets (Only available through March 31st, 2014)

Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape

Need a clean and simple card? Need a pop of color for your project? Think about our Washi Tape – You’ll get 3 designs in each package for just $4.95, so it’s a great deal , which means you can get them all!

Here is a clean and simple card that I made recently using our Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape and the Just Sayin’ bundle (134819/134820).  Just Sayin’ is one of those great all occasion sets for year round use. And did you know you can use one of the framelits to create clouds? Cool huh?

Retro Fresh Washi Tape and Just Sayin'

This card was easy to make since the Washi Tape pretty much does all the work for you. Think of Washi Tape the same way you think of your Designer Series Paper – it works together or stands alone. And you don’t need any adhesive to attach it – so it is fast!

JUST 5 DAYS LEFT

2014 Saleabration catalog image

Remember, there are just 5 days left till the end of Sale-a-bration. If you have some favorites that you missed, now is the time to get them before it is too late.

Along with Sale-a-bration there are a couple of other promotions that will be ending on March 31st.

So check them out so you don’t miss out:

Image of all Best of stamp sets

Best of Stamp Sets: Remember when you order 6 of these you get one free. So if you were planning on getting the FREE one you’ll want to make sure you have all the sets you needed before the deadline of March 31st. (You’ll have until April 30th to redeem your FREE set.)

paper pumpkin promotion header image

Paper Pumpkin: The FREE marker promotion ends on March 31st. So if you’ve been wanting to give these kits a try you’ll want to make sure you sign up before the end of the month. And remember to list me as your Demonstrator – then forward me your confirmation email and you’ll get a free gift from me too!

Click HERE to sign up today

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Just Sayin’ (133200/133203)

Paper: Pool Party (122924), Tangerine Tango (111349), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape (133001),  Word Bubble Framelit Dies (132968), and Baked Brown Sugar and Tangerine Tango Stampin’ Write Markers

 

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Birthday Card Contest – Click HERE for details

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 31st, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

Best Of Stamp Sets (Only available through March 31st, 2014)

Easter Mini File Folder Gum Holder Tutorial

As you know I love to make 3d items and this week’s project is a little gift I’m making for my daughter’s friends at college. When I saw the new Sour Patch gum from Stride on a recent trip to town I just knew I had to come up with something.

Stride Gum for Easter Mini File Folder Gum Holder (1)

Screams Daffodil Delight, right? And I immediately saw that it would coordinate with our Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Catalog and of course, I’ve been itching to do more stamping with the cute little Eggstra Spectacular stamp set too!

So here is what I came up with –

Stride Gum for Easter Mini File Folder Gum Holder (2)

Wonder where I got the Scallop Oval? I’ll show you how I made this in my video – you won’t believe how simple it is!

And I’ve got two Video Tutorials to share with you today!

Not one, but two you may ask? Why?

Well, I ended up doing a fun technique with the image and thought you’d like to see how it was done too. And since my internet is a little funky out here in the sticks, shorter videos are a bit easier to upload for me when it’s windy. (Don’t ask – crazy I know!)  I figure streaming is easier for you too – right? Less buffering, etc. LOL

Do you like shorter videos or would you prefer to see just one longer video? Leave me a comment and let me know what you prefer. I always love to hear feedback from you – it also helps me know if someone is out there in cyber land listening – lol!

Watch the Easter Mini File Folder Gum Holder Video Tutorial firsts to see how you make and assemble the treat holder itself.

Then watch my Two Tone Embossing Technique Video to see how the focal point is created with our fun colors of Stampin’ Emboss Powder!

Here is the supply list for the project –

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Eggstra Spectacular (133068/133071)

Inks: VersaMark Pad (102283)

Paper: Watercolor Wonder Series Paper Stack (132994), Daffodil Delight Card Stock (119683), Calypso Coral (122925), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Melon Mambo Stampin’ Emboss Powder (123223),  Tangerine Tango Stampin’ Emboss Powder (123106), Heat Tool (129053), 2 3/8″ Scallop Circle Punch (118874), Extra-Large Oval Punch (19859), Gumball Green 3/8″ Satin Stitched Ribbon (126848), Envelope Punch Board (133774), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Stampin’ Trimmer (126889), and Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Non-Stampin’ Up!: Sour Patch Kids Stride gum

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

NEW WEEKLY DEALS FOR THIS WEEK

Check out some of the great paper deals!

Weekly Deals March 25 2014

Tuesday Means NEW Digital Downloads!

Do you love home décor? Check out this great new My Digital Studio option – it’s a class that includes tutorials featuring advanced home décor projects! Whoo hoo – think of all the cool things you can make.

My Digital Class for the Home MDS

Want to see all the NEW Digital Downloads? Click HERE to see all 6 of this week’s new options.

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Birthday Card Contest – Click HERE for details

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 31st, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

Best Of Stamp Sets (Only available through March 31st, 2014)

New Digital Downloads

Four Frames Birthday

Recently the robins have been all over the yard and it made me want to choose a stamp set with birds in it – so I reached for two of my favorites, Four Frames 128589/123422)and Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Four Frames

Why are these two of my favorite stamp sets? They are just very versatile and between the two you can make a card to pretty much suit any occasion, guys and gals both. So here is what I came up with.

Four Frames

I used the Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper to decide my color choices for this project. I just love the new color Smoky Slate – I am so a gray person, so this Designer Series Paper suits me since it has so many of the colors I love.

Love the elegant bow I used for this card? Why not check out my Simply Elegant Bow Video Tutorial? Click HERE to see my earlier project and tutorial.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Four Frames (128589/123422) and Teeny Tiny Wishes (128748/127802)

Paper: Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper (130131), Smoky Slate (131202, Coastal Cabana (131297), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Smoky Slate 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon (131152), Coastal Cabana, Summer Starfruit and Basic Gray Stampin’ Write Markers, Decorative Label Punch (120907), and Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Birthday Card Contest – Click HERE for details

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

LAST DAY FOR THIS WEEKS DEALS

Weekly Deals March 18 2014

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 17th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

 

The big 50!

Yesterday was my birthday and it was the BIG 50! Doesn’t bother me a whole lot since I’m the youngest in the family – my husband and his brothers are still older than me which I’m always happy to point out to them! So it is hard for them to give me too hard a time since they’ve been there and done that already. LOL.

So today I thought I would share with you the card that my husband made for me. Yes, he stamps, and I figured he was up to something when he snuck down to my classroom the other night. Of course, the fact he didn’t clean up after himself was a clue too so I was curious to see the card he made based on what scraps were left on the table.

Want to see what he came up with? He had a hard time finding things like a stamp set with numbers, although I’m not sure why since Memorable Moments was sitting on the shelf clearly marked. (But then you know how guys are – they can’t find their socks either. LOL)

Love You to the Moon 50th Birthday Larry (1)

Ok. Now that you’ve seen the card – let me tell you how he explained it to me, he had a plan in mind. You’re going to love this – Larry is a hoot!

1. He chose black to go with the over the hill theme of 50.

2. He chose the Love You to the Moon image, because after all he still loves me even though I’m now over the hill.

3. He chose the cup cake punch, for the birthday cake of course. (No calories included.)

4. He chose the circle punch and made a moon to go with the Love You to the Moon image.

5. And finally he chose the White Stampin’ Chalk Marker to write with since he couldn’t find the stamp set he wanted.

Here is the best part – get ready for it…. Why? “It’s not a full moon” he tells me and then goes on to explain that “The full moon would be for when you were young, you’ve only got a little life left – that is why the sliver is there.”

I howled with laughter and Kaitlin who has been listening to this explanation with me says to him, “I guess that means your sliver is even smaller dad since you are older than mom, huh.”

Love You to the Moon 50th Birthday Larry (2)

After the explanation we went out to a nice dinner at our local Mexican restaurant, El Patron, (so I wouldn’t have to cook). Of course, they sang and brought the dessert, which I dodged and only ended up with a bit of whip cream on my nose. Kaitlin I think was rather disappointed  since she was really looking forward to that part of the birthday dinner.

Jini at El Patron 50th Birthday

It was a fun week and since today ends our daughter Kaitlin’s Spring Break from College with us, I thought I would share some photos with you from our week together.

We hiked on one of our local trails, Panther Creek, and enjoyed the first taste of spring along with the warmer temperatures last Saturday. This first picture is the three of us taking a break and enjoying the scenery at the half way point of our hike.

Panthers Creek hike

Here is the view we were enjoying.  It’s a beautiful trail if you are looking for a enjoyable day in the mountains.

Panthers Creek hike (2)

And this last photo is one I took in our yard. The grass is covered with these lovely little wild violets. I always enjoy the spots of color in the yard – until Johnathan decides he’s just got to cut the grass and then they are gone!

flower in our yard

Such delicate little flowers and violets have always been one of my favorites.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Love You to the Moon (133140/133143)

Inks: Whisper White Craft Stampin’ Ink Pad (101731)

Paper: Basic Black (121045), Island Indigo (122923), Cherry Cobbler (119685), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: White Stampin’ Chalk Marker (132133),  Cupcake Builder Punch (121807) and 1 3/4″ Circle Punch (119850)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

 

NEW Coffee & Cards Class

Coffee & Cards image-March 2014

Why not have a supply of cards to have on hand when you need them?

During this class you’ll make 3 cards. This is an open house style event where you’ll work at your own pace.

Cards are clean and simple designs and are easy to complete. The class includes cards for birthdays, thinking of you, thank you, and more.

RSVP and Prepay by Monday, March 24th to hold your spot

Friday, March 28th 10 a.m. until Noon

Class Fee is $10 ($5 Refundable towards a minimum $15 order at class)

$1.50 each for additional cards

Click HERE to see my complete Calendar of Events

Simply Elegant Bows Video Tutorial

Last week I shared a sympathy card that I needed for a friend that had a simply elegant bow. I’ve needed several more sympathy cards again this week and so although the card is the same layout I’ve switched out the image for this one – I think I like this one the best. (I’ve had blueberries on the brain since they need fertilizing so maybe that is why.)

Simply Sketched Simply Elegant Bows Video Tutorial

Anyhow, some of you have asked me how this bow was made and so I thought I would create a quick video tutorial for you. These bows are so easy to make that you’ll find yourself using them time and again on your projects. And since they are flat they are great for mailing too.

So here is my Simply Elegant Bows Video Tutorial

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Simply Sketched (Hostess 129669/129672) and Oh, Hello (131931/130733)

Inks: Midnight Muse (126860) and Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pads (126982)

Paper: Midnight Muse (126843) and Naturals White Card Stock (102316)

Accessories: Midnight Muse 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon (102316), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), and Glue Dots (103683)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Birthday Card Contest banner

Birthday Card Contest – Click HERE for details

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 17th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

Best Of Stamp Sets (Only available through March 31st, 2014)

Hip Notes & NEW Weekly Deals

Need a clean and simple card to brighten someone’s day? Why not try the Hip Notes stamp set? It has some great and trendy sentiments for year round use.

Hip Notes

This card uses the Banner Punch and its coordinating stamp set, Banner Blast that you can earn during Sale-a-bration. Both are fun products and did you know that the Banner Punch is going to be in our 2014 Annual Catalog? Whoo hoo! I love my punches, how about you?

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Hip Notes (133501/133504), Banner Blast (Sale-a-bration 133551/133554)

Inks: Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin’ Pad (126946)

Paper: Coastal Cabana (131297), Tangerine Tango (111349), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (Sale-a-bration 133520), Banner Punch (Sale-a-bration 133519), Scallop Oval Punch (119856), and Large Oval Punch (119855) 

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

NEW WEEKLY DEALS

Check out these new Weekly Deals – there is something for everyone!

Weekly Deals March 18 2014

IT’S TUESDAY – NEW DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

Yippie! It’s Tuesday and that means 6 NEW Digital Downloads are available for your crafting needs!

Happy Grad Day Card Templates (Item 137520) – a easy way to get all your graduation needs taken care of with a few clicks. And don’t forget we have a graduation downloads in our Weekly Deals too! Whoo hoo!

Happy Grad Day Card Templates

Oh Joy, A Boy Ensemble (Item 137645) – great for getting ready for that new bundle of joy!

Oh Joy, A Boy Ensemble MDS

There are 4 more great downloads available today – why not check them all out by clicking HERE?

Haven’t used My Digital Studio? Why not check out our 30 Day FREE Trial HERE and join in the fun!

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Birthday Card Contest banner

Birthday Card Contest – Click HERE for details 

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 24th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

paper pumpkin promotion header image

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

Best Of Stamp Sets (Only available through March 31st, 2014)

Perfect Pennants

Make a wish with the Perfect Pennants stamp set and you’ll give someone a little surprise with this card.

Perfect Pennants Leadership Swap (1)

I received this card in a swap from Sarah and I thought she was very clever using the Envelope Liners Framelits Dies to create this little pocket with the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper. When you pull the tag out you’ll see the sentiment from the Perfect Pennants stamp set found in the Occasions Catalog. Cute, right?

Perfect Pennants Leadership Swap (2)

Don’t you love the way the Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape adds a bit of color along the bottom of the tag. Our Washi Tape is a lot of fun to use and there are so many different ways you can use it.

Don’t forget that today is the last chance to order your Weekly Deals.

Weekly Deals March 11 2014

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Perfect Pennants (133227/133230)

Inks: Tangerine Tango (126946)

Paper: 2013-2015 In Color Core’dinations (126946),  Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper (132993), Coastal Cabana (131297), Tangerine Tango (111349), and So Saffron Card stock (105118)

Accessories: Scallop Tag Topper Punch (133324),  Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape (133001), Arrow Embossing Folder (132187),  Envelope Liners Framelits Dies (132172), Coastal Cabana 3/8″ Ruffle Stretch Trim (130024)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Birthday Card Contest banner

Birthday Card Contest – Click HERE for details

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 17th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

Best Of Stamp Sets (Only available through March 31st, 2014)

Just Sayin’

“You’re how old?” Is just one of those great sentiments you’ll find in the Just Sayin’ stamp set found in the Occasions Catalog. What a great sentiment to use for a fun birthday card.

Just Sayin' Leadership 2014 swap

And since you can get both the Just Sayin’ stamp set and the Word Bubble Framelits in a bundle (134819/134820) it’s a great deal too! Got to love all the bundle options being offered by Stampin’ Up! it makes getting coordinating products so easy.

And this card’s color scheme was pulled directly from the Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper. Don’t you love the way that our Designer Series Paper help you choose colors so easily?

I really love this card that Jeannette made for our Leadership swap. It’s fun and quirky and with my husband’s family who are a bunch of practical jokers cards with a sense of humor are always great to have on hand.

Birthday Card Contest banner

If you haven’t heard about my Birthday Card Contest why not check it out here and join in the fun. I can’t wait to see the fantastic cards you’ll come up with for birthdays!

Click HERE for all the details

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Just Sayin’ (133200/133203)

Inks: Basic Gray (126981) and Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pads (126983)

Paper: Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper (130814), Basic Gray (121044), Calypso Coral (122925), and Very Vanilla Card stock (101650)

Accessories: Word Bubble Framelits Dies (132968),  Chevron Embossing Folder (Weekly Deal 127749),  Honeycomb Embossing Folder (129378),  Pearl Basic Jewels (119247),  Paper Snips (103579), and Stampin’ Sponges (101610)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Anniversary Free Shipping Promotion

Birthday Card Contest – Click HERE for details

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals March 11 2014

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 17th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)