Author Archives: Stamp with Jini

About Stamp with Jini

My name is Jini Merck and I'm a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator. I love being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, not only do I get to be creative every day, I also get to be a creative coach, offering fresh project ideas and encouragement to my customers and friends. For me, helping someone create that perfect project for a special occasion is the best feeling in the entire world. After all, creating cards, scrapbook pages, and gift items is about more than just stamps and ink—it’s about sharing a part of yourself with the people in your life. I live in Clarkesville which is in the North Georgia Mountains with my husband and two children. Although my family keeps me busy I enjoy the creativity of stamping and crafts and the fellowship stamping brings into my life. Spending time creativing cards and gifts for friends and family has been one of my favorite hobbies over the years.

Paper Pumpkin Gift of Fall

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This month’s Paper Pumpkin Kit comes with a great stamp set and Merry Merlot Ink Spot – perfect for coloring with. And since I think monochromatic cards are always striking that’s where I started. So today’s card is one that I created simply by adding our Very Vanilla Note Cards, some card stock, and our Blender Pens! It is definitely what I consider #simplestamping which is always a great thing!

This card highlights one of our simple coloring techniques – and Blender Pens are a great tool to add to your supplies. Not only is it versatile it also gives you a lot of bang for your buck, since you’ll get 3 of them in your package. The options are endless, simply reach for your favorite color ink pad! This makes them great for a newer stamper just building their supplies or even a seasoned stamper like me.

Want to see how I created this card? I have shared this easy coloring technique in my video.

Paper Pumpkin August 2019 Gift of Fall Note Card Video Tutorial

And of course here is a complete supply list and measurements all in a handy PDF just for you!

Paper Pumpkin August 2019 Gift of Fall Note Card Tutorial PDF

Want A Splash of Color?

Love color? Here are some more cards I made using the same layout idea. They play with a bit of color from past Paper Pumpkin Ink Spots.

This first card still stamps the branches and sentiment in Merry Merlot but uses the Pretty Peacock and Merry Merlot ink spots to color the berries. And how about this one? This time I used Early Espresso to stamp the branches and added Crushed Curry to the mix along.

What do you think? Monochromatic or color? Why not leave me a comment and let me know which one you like?

Then stop back by when I’ll be sharing what I made with the left over pieces and the Paper Pumpkin Gift of Fall Add On Bundle.

Can you believe I’ve got all of this left over to create with?

Just a few Days Left to Sign Up for Your September Paper Pumpkin Kit

You’ll want to hurry and subscribe since sign up ends on September 10th and you won’t want to miss out on this fun kit. Got questions? Contact me today

September Kit Information :

  • The September kit makes 20 Halloween-themed, food-safe treat boxes
  • Coordinating colors: Basic Black, Gorgeous Grape, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White
  • Supplies may be limited toward the end of the subscription period.

When you subscribe you can come to my monthly Paper Pumpkin Craft Time. Not sure? Join us and see what it is all about. We meet the 4th Tuesday of the month. You can find this and other events on Calendar of Events.

Click HERE to sign up today!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Gift of Fall (August Paper Pumpkin)

Inks: Merry Merlot Classic Ink (150083/150090)

Paper: Very Vanilla Note Cards & Envelopes (144236), Merry Merlot (146979), and Very Vanilla Card stock (101650)

Accessories: Blender Pens (102845)

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code EFXCZ934

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code If you order Online make sure your profile information is up to date and you’ve allowed me to contact you (If you chose no contact in the past you’ll need to call 1-800-Stamp Up to have them change your profile for you.)

Toile Christmas Card Tutorial

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Today’s card is one that I designed for my Team Retreat Shoe Box Swap and it was inspired by the card in the Holiday Catalog. Just goes to show, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, you can just change it up a bit. This is what we call a CASE, or copy and share everything! lol

Inspiration can come from all places it doesn’t have to be just another card – color and patterns are all around us in our everyday lives. My daughter is always rolling her eyes at me when we are out shopping and I say “look there are flowers done in Terracotta Tile or like her dress years ago Calypso Coral! I love the fact that Stampin’ Up! keeps up with our color trends.

Here is the card – I just love cardinals so this was a set I just HAD to have!

I wanted a bold cardinal so for this project I used our Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Blends after paying around with the Watercolor Pencils and the Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink. The Disinktive stamp make this so easy to color since the shading is already there for you. You can see just how fast this card was to color with the Blends in my video.

Toile Christmas Shoe Box Card Video Tutorial

And here is a step by step PDF for you with everything you need to make this card.

Toile Christmas Shoe Box Card Tutorial PDF

While Christmas is a ways off – it never hurts to start thinking about your Holiday Cards – it always sneaks up on me! So let me make it easy for you to get ready for the holidays.

Watch for my Holiday Christmas Card Stamp A Stack and other classes to be posted soon to help you get ready. Stampin’ Up! will be making some changes and improvements to our website on September 10th and so I’ll be sharing everything after that.

Enjoy! And if you’d like to see the Holiday Catalog products in person, don’t forget I’ll be holding my 2019 Holiday Kick Off, September 14th – Drop in and play with some of the new goodies.

RSVP today to hold your spot! Click HERE for more information

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Toile Christmas (*150469)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (132708/133456), Cajun Craze (147931), Cherry Cobbler (144598), Old Olive Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack (144597) and Crumb Cake Light Stampin’ Blend (144582), and Color Lifter (144608)

Paper: Toile Tidings Gift Wrap (150436), Vellum Card stock (101856), Garden Green (102584) and Very Vanilla Card stock (101650)

Accessories: Christmas Cardinal Dies (*150640)

*Toile Christmas Bundle (152367)

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code EFXCZ934

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code If you order Online make sure your profile information is up to date and you’ve allowed me to contact you (If you chose no contact in the past you’ll need to call 1-800-Stamp Up to have them change your profile for you.)

2019 Holiday Catalog & Organization Items

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Yes! Today is the day! It’s live! And you’re going to LOVE the new product options available for this fall’s crafting. I know my wish list is long.

If you haven’t already seen the catalog just click on the image below. You’re going to LOVE it!

If you don’t already have a catalog contact me today at [email protected]. Or why not come to my Holiday Catalog Kickoff event on September 14th where you can touch, see, and try some of the new products? You can find more information HERE on my calendar of events.

Today also kicks off our Buy 3 Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper Promotion so you can add your favorite to your order starting today.

So you can get started on your gift giving projects using some wonderful patterns from our Annual Catalog.

And when you place your order you can take advantage of my 10 for 250 Challenge, I’m celebrating 10 years with Stampin’ Up! with this fantastic promotion for you, as a way to say thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator as I truly appreciate you and want to give back as I end my 10th year with Stampin’ Up! this month.

Click HERE to learn about how you can be one of my 10 VIP stampers.

Holiday Catalog Organizational Items

As you know before I really get crafting I find a few organizational items helpful. I’ve been doing these now for years and everyone seems to find them helpful, so I hope you will find them useful too. (You can click on the Organization link in the side bar to find past Organizational items)

This first item is a index for the new catalog. So you can flip and find the items easily. Let me know how you like it by leaving a comment below. And of course if you find a mistake, please let me know I’m happy to correct the file for everyone.

2019 Holiday Catalog Index

Printable PDF (updated 10/6/2019)

And of course a quick and easy color reference for all of the Designer Series Paper that are new!  Great to keep with your papers so you can easily find what you need.

2019 Designer Series Paper Chart

Printable PDF

Die Case Inserts

And so that you can get those Dies on the shelf with your other cases, here is my Case Inserts for the new Dies. If you haven’t used these before you’ll find the ones for the 2019 Annual Catalog HERE. (And if you need others you can find them under Organization. I’ve been doing these organizational items for years now! and the packaging matches our other labeling)

  • All Around Wreath Dies PDF
  • Beautiful Boughs Dies PDF
  • Cheers Dies PDF
  • Christmas Cardinal Dies PDF
  • Christmas Layers PDF
  • Cup of Cheer Dies PDF
  • Detailed Bells Dies PDF
  • Detailed Skate Dies PDF
  • Frosted Frames Dies PDF
  • Gathered Leaves Dies PDF
  • Jolly Season Dies PDF
  • Mini Curvy Keepsakes Box Dies PDF
  • Ornate Frames Dies PDF
  • Sip & Celebrate Dies PDF
  • Snow Globe Scene Dies PDF
  • Stitched Brightly Dies PDF
  • Stitched Stars Dies PDF
  • Trio of Tags Dies PDF
  • Wicked Dies PDF

10/6/2019 Links have been updated so they should be working. As always thank you for letting me know when something isn’t working correctly.

Have a larger set of Dies? Simply add a second magnetic sheet to the inside and you’ll have lots of room for those larger sets of dies.

Love my organizational idea? What now? Simply print the PDF onto Whisper White Card stock (100730) and trim on lines. Then insert into one of our Standard Stamp Cases (119105). And add a magnetic sheet (I use vent covers I find at the hardware store) to the inside using our Tear & Tape (138995).  Yes it’s that easy.

Enjoy! And then stop back by tomorrow when I’ll have a special tutorial for my Shoe Box Swap card from my Team Getaway from last month.

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code EFXCZ934

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code If you order Online make sure your profile information is up to date and you’ve allowed me to contact you (If you chose no contact in the past you’ll need to call 1-800-Stamp Up to have them change your profile for you.)

Designer Series Paper Buy 3, Get 1 Free Sale Starts Wednesday, September 4th!

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For a limited time starting tomorrow you can get a FREE pack of Designer Series Paper from the Annual Catalog when you purchase 3!! So now you can stock up and begin creating those fantastic holiday gifts you’ve been wanting to make!

Here is the flyer listing which Designer Series Papers are part of the promotion:

Designer Series Buy 3, Get 1 Free Flyer PDF (printable)

For example, you could get a great deal by paying for three $11.50 Paper packages, and getting the $14.50 Specialty paper for free!

Here the details:

  • Special Promotion Period: September 4th thru September 30, 2019
  • Only Designer Series Papers listed in the table below qualify for this promotion. You may mix and match papers from any of the listed papers.
  • There is no limit to how many times you can buy three packages of Designer Series Paper, and get one free during this sale.
  • In the online store, if you order four packages of the same qualifying Designer Series Paper, you will need to enter three together and then order the fourth free item separately.
  • Designer Series Paper ordered as part of a Starter Kit does not qualify for this sale.
  • Designer Series Paper ordered with Stampin’ Rewards does not qualify for this sale.

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code EFXCZ934

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Sign up HERE for my FREE Newsletter or Get my Blog Posts delivered right to your inbox HERE

VIP 10 for 250 Challenge

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I’m currently running a very special challenge – a VIP 10 for 250 Challenge.

If your Wishlist has been growing since the Annual Catalog came out in June, now is the time to get some of those items, because now until September 16th I’m offering a bunch of extra freebies to the first 10 people who place $250 orders in product!

Once 10 people place their $250 orders using the Host code, 3 of them will get to choose a half price item for a current product found in the Holiday or Annual Catalog, 7 of them will get to choose $45 in FREE product, and once all the orders and Stampin’ Rewards are claimed, all 10 names will be entered into a $250 Stampin’ Up! shopping spree!!! Yes, that right! Another $250 to spend on your favorite Stampin’ Up! products.

Here are the details:

  • When ordering Online you must be sure to use Host Code EFXCZ934.
  • Failure to use the Host Code means your order will not count in the 10 and you will receive just the $25 Stampin’ Rewards instead of the $45 or ½ price items.

Can you imagine what you could get with a $250 shopping spree?

  • Reward products can be chosen from the current Annual and Holiday Catalogs.

Shop online now!

When you shop online, I will receive an email with your order total and you’ll get one of the 10 spots. As soon as the 10 for 250 challenge is full, I will pick a winner!

WHY AM I DOING THIS?

Every year Stampin’ Up! offers an amazing all expenses paid Incentive Trip to it’s Demonstrators and their partners. This year it is to Maui. We earn the trip by earning Flex Points. We earn these points by doing certain things all year including our product sales, recruiting new team members, leading our teams, and participating in promotions that Stampin’ Up! runs.

My long-term goal has been to earn one of the Incentive trips for my husband and I. I’ve been working so hard to try and achieve it over the past 5 years. I’m getting closer by the day and wayyy ahead of where I was last year. I would truly love it and it would make it extra special to achieve this trip during my 10th Anniversary year with Stampin’ Up! and every single order you place counts. That’s why I want to reward you in return for helping me!

Don’t forget, what happens when 10 people place $250 orders with me?

  • 3 people will receive ½ price items
  • 7 people will receive an extra $45 in product for FREE
  • 1 will receive an additional $250 Shopping Spree!

Update: 9/17 – promotion has been extended to September 30th

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code EFXCZ934

Holiday Catalog Kick Off & September Events

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Saturday, September 14th at 1 pm

Class fee: $10; or free with a minimum purchase

RSVP and prepay by Wednesday, September 11th to hold your spot

Pick up your Holiday Catalog now or at a Class! Classes are free with a minimum purchase so not only can you play with new products, learn new things, you can also build your supply of cards to send family and friends too!

Card Class –

During this event, you’ll make 6 cards (2 each of 3 designs)

Work at your own pace. Everything is included except your favorite Adhesives

Cards are clean and simple designs AND you choose the sentiments

The class includes cards for birthdays, thinking of you, thank you, seasonal, and more.

Fourth Thursday of the month 10-12 pm

9/26

Fourth Sunday of the Month 2-4 pm

9/22

Class Fee $15; or FREE with minimum purchase

RSVP Needed the third Friday of the month/Friday before event to save your spot

Paper Pumpkin Craft Time –

Fourth Tuesday of the month 10 am -12pm

9/24

It’s Free when you are a Paper Pumpkin Member!

Want to see what it’s all about? Why not try Paper Pumpkin?
Class Fee $5 (or free when you subscribe)

RSVP Needed Friday before event to save table space for you!

Got questions? Please feel free to contact me today.Please Click HERE for more details about classes and your options. 

Don’t live local? Or Can’t make it to Class? Why not try my Kit or Online options?

Class Only Fee $25 (includes your PDF & supply kit only)

Class PDF (only) $15

The fine print: Kits & PDF’s will be sent out the week after class.

RSVP is a must for all events! Classes do not include Adhesives; but you can pick some up at class [email protected] or call 706-754-7124 Doors open 5 minutes before class

Have a group of friends who want to take a Private Class? Let’s choose a time that works for you.

Click HERE to see my Calendar of Events & RSVP

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code Q2UWTQRW Place a qualifying order of $65 or more and get a free gift – a package of Noble Peacock Rhinestones

Best Catch Ever

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As promised yesterday, here is another great set for masculine cards. The Best Catch Ever is perfect for those folks that love to fish. Check out these wonderful cards made with the set.

This first one uses Night of Navy and Crumb Cake – two colors…. so striking…

It’s one of the things I love about a monochromatic card. They don’t require a lot of supplies, but pack a wow like this one does.

Here’s another card that has added black to the mix, this time the combination of colors is Pretty Peacock and Old Olive.

It uses our High Seas 3D Embossing Folder (149577) to add the feel of water. And yes that is our Pretty Peacock 1/2″ Scalloped Linen Ribbon (149751) peeking out from behind the Old Olive layer adding a bit more texture. I just love the different ways you can use this ribbon!

And how about this card done in nature inspired colors?

Early Espresso, Night of Navy and Mossy Meadow make this a great card for our guys.

And check out these cards too

You can color this guy all kinds of ways to suit your choice. It’s one of the things I love about stamping.

And this final card actually uses a real fish hook as part of it’s focal point which I just love

along with the Crackle Paint Background stamp (148755/148752) to add an out doors feel to it.

Cool right?

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Best Catch (148598)

Accessories: Catch of the Day Dies (148815)

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code Q2UWTQRW Place a qualifying order with me by 9/3 of $65 or more and get a free gift – a package of Noble Peacock Rhinestones

If your Online order is $150 or more make sure not to use the host code so that you can take advantage of the Host Benefits yourself – No worries, I’ll still send you your free gift. It’s my way of saying thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator!

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code If you order Online make sure your profile information is up to date and you’ve allowed me to contact you (If you chose no contact in the past you’ll need to call 1-800-Stamp Up to have them change your profile for you.)

Just 3 More Days Left For our August Promotions

Fun with Geared Up Garage

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Masculine cards are always fun to make and Stampin’ Up! has given us a great option for those men in our lives with the Geared Up Garage stamp set.

Check out these fun cards using the set. This first card uses our Brick & Mortar 3d Embossing Folder (149643) as a back drop and the gears are die cut in our Copper Foil (142020)

And how about our Buffalo Check Background (147797/151372) done in Terracotta Tile?

And this next card uses the die cut gears to sponge around – creating this great negative background look. How cool is that?

And how about the classic color combo of Real Red, Basic Gray & Black for this card?

And here is another card using Real Red this time teamed up with Crushed Curry and Crumb Cake.

Great cards for the men in our lives! I can’t pick a favorite can you? Why not leave me a comment and let me know what you think?

Then stop back by tomorrow when I’ll be sharing some more masculine cards with you.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Geared Up Garage (148590)

Accessories: Garage Gears Dies (151812) and Classic Garage Metal Elements (148485)

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code Q2UWTQRW Place a qualifying order with me of $65 or more and get a free gift – a package of Noble Peacock Rhinestones. Offer ends September 3rd.

If your Online order is $150 or more make sure not to use the host code so that you can take advantage of the Host Benefits yourself – No worries, I’ll still send you your free gift. It’s my way of saying thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator!

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code If you order Online make sure your profile information is up to date and you’ve allowed me to contact you (If you chose no contact in the past you’ll need to call 1-800-Stamp Up to have them change your profile for you.)

Sign up for my FREE Newsletter My Newsletters include stamping tips, tutorials, ideas and Classes! You’ll get a free class tutorial when you confirm your subscription. It’s my way of saying thank you!

Sailing Home

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It’s dreary and cool here in the North Georgia which really makes me realize the summer is coming to an end quickly and the cooler weather, football games, and holidays are right around the corner. But today I’m going to share with you a little taste of summer with the Sailing Home Suite of products.

This Suite can be found on page 144-146 of the Annual Catalog and it’s filled with wonderful products that you can not only use with this set, but also our High Tide stamp set that I shared with you yesterday.

Here are 8 wonderful cards created with this Suite – I just can’t pick a favorite, can you?

Whew – just Love this set!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Sailing Home (*149457)

Paper: Come Sail Away Designer Series Paper (149481)

Accessories: Smooth Sailing Dies (*149576), Baker’s Twine (149483), Sail Away Trinkets (149482)

*Sailing Home Bundle (151066)

Come Sail Away Suite (152175)

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code Q2UWTQRW Place a qualifying order with me of $65 or more and get a free gift – a package of Noble Peacock Rhinestones

If your Online order is $150 or more make sure not to use the host code so that you can take advantage of the Host Benefits yourself – No worries, I’ll still send you your free gift. It’s my way of saying thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator!

High Tide

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As we wind down the summer and head into a holiday weekend I thought I’d share with you some cards to extend that carefree summer time feel. High Tide is one of my favorite sets since not only does it have a water theme the sentiments are great for those tougher cards I need to make.

Check out these cards using the set.

So what do you think? Like the sentiments? Stop back by tomorrow when I’ll be sharing another great set, Sailing Home which is a wonderful addition to your Lighthouse collection.

Just a reminder: Cutting Blades

The Blades (126995) will go on sale tomorrow at 10 am (MT) and this will be the last batch. Stop by my Online Store tomorrow to order yours. They will go fast!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: High Tide (143006)

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

Shop at my Online Store and use Host Code Q2UWTQRW Place a qualifying order with me of $65 or more and get a free gift – a package of Noble Peacock Rhinestones