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.

Guy Greetings

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

Stampin’ Up! is holding their Leadership Conference later this week and I’m putting my last minute touches on the projects so I thought I would share one of them today.

This card is made using the Guy Greetings set from the Occasions Catalog. I love this stamp set and it’s images, it has such a great selection of greetings for the guys in our lives and it also lends itself well to cards with a lot of texture. It also is available in ALL three types of stamps – have you noticed that in the Occasions Catalog? Stampin’ Up! has heard us and has responded to us by offering this stamp set in wood, clear mount, and photopolymer!!! Now you can have your cake and eat it too!

Anyhow, so here is what I came up with.

What do you think? I’m hoping it is a hit during my Shoebox Swap on Wednesday afternoon with my fellow demonstrators.

New Weekly Deals

Oh, What fun it is to swap!!

Speaking of swaps I’ve held my first organized swap by mail with my fellow demonstrators. What fun it was to go to the mail box each day and get another package of cards. All total there were 45 different cards using stamp sets from the Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-bration brochure. I can’t wait to share some of them with you when I return from Leadership.

After several hours of sorting and packaging here is everything ready to go back to those who participated. I know it will feel like Christmas to them when they see their package in their mail box later this week (weather willing.)

I’ll begin sharing these with you next Monday 🙂

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Guy Greetings (138825/138828/137178)

Inks: Early Espresso (126974) and Crumb Cake Classic Ink (126975)

Paper: Early Espresso (119686), Crumb Cake (120953), Cajun Craze (119684), Always Artichoke (105119), and Very Vanilla card stock (101650)

Accessories: 1/2″ Early Espresso Seam Binding (134582), Brayer (102395), Alphabet Press (130916), Zig Zag (133738), and Argyle Embossing Folders (127750), and Stampin’ Sponges (101610)

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Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, February 2nd, 2015 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Looking for that perfect gift for yourself or a friend, try a Paper Pumpkin Subscription. Add one to your next order, they count towards Hostess Rewards. During Sale-a-bration when you get a 3 month Subscription and you’ll save $5 AND get a FREE Sale-a-bration product! Prepaid subscriptions are the best way to enjoy Paper Pumpkin. Click HERE for more details.

Sign up for my FREE Monthly Newsletters to receive stamping tips, ideas, and updates on what is happening with Stamp with Jini. You’ll receive a FREE Pinwheel Tutorial when you do. Click HERE to sign up today.

Sophisticated Serifs

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

Sophisticated Serifs is one of those sets that when you see it you know it will be a stamp set that you’ll reach for time and time again. I was so excited to see it in our Occasions Catalog – I really miss the Lovely Letters stamp set from years ago, it was my go to set and this one is a great replacement!

And I also love the fact that this set is designed to be used as a monogram set. There are two sizes of letters – how cool is that right? And the photopolymer makes it soooo easy to line up.

Today’s card is quick and simple and since I used our Crumb Cake precut and scored note cards (133766) it was soooo easy. Even the envelopes are included! I designed this note card for my sister-in-law and thought a set of them would make a nice gift for her. And since the note cards come in a set of 20 cards and envelopes for just $5.95 it makes my gift very economical too!

So what do you think? I’ve used the Something Lacy background stamp (137155/138900) stamped in Crumb Cake to create the soft feminine background. A quick 1 3/8″ Circle and 1 3/4″ Scallop Circle layered and a few punches with the paper piercer and voila I’m finished!

I figured I’d stack them up and tie some of that yummy 1 1/4″ White Jute Ribbon (137904) around them.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Sophisticated Serifs (137161), and Something Lacy Background (137155/138900)

Inks: Crumb Cake Classic Ink (126975)

Paper: Very Vanilla card stock (101650)

Accessories: Crumb Cake Notecards (133766), Crumb Cake 1/2″ Seam Binding (122332), 1 3/8″ Circle Punch (119860), and 1 3/4″ Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199) and Paper Piercing Tool (126189)

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Hurry last day to get these great Weekly Deals!

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, January 26^th, 2015 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

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Get Organized with my Perpetual Calendar Stamp Camp

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

During this event you’ll make a perpetual calendar that will help you organize your birthday list! These calendars make great gifts! So why not make two?

Date: Sunday, February 8th

Time: 2 p.m.

Class Fee: Option 1 – $27 (includes class & kit)

Option 2 – $57 (includes class, kit & Perpetual Birthday Calendar stamp set)

Choose Option 2 AND make a second Perpetual Calendar; You’ll get a FREE Sale-a-bration item for just $19 more!!!

Ask a friend to join you – you’ll both get a free gift!

Click HERE to see my full Calendar of Events and details

Hello Life Skinny Milk Box

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

Want a quick and easy treat item? Check out this Skinny Milk Box I whipped up using the Hello Life stamp set.

I love these little Skinny Milk Boxes they are quick and easy and you can make a gazillion of them with our Designer Series Paper Stacks since they contain multiple sheets of the same color! This one is for Valentine’s Day but wouldn’t it be great for a wedding or a shower to hold a little favor?

This one holds some Reese’s Peanut butter cups – a big favorite in my house!

Want to make some of your own? Click HERE for my Skinny Milk Box Video Tutorial and learn how.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Hello Life (137136)

Inks: Strawberry Slush (131178) and Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink (126950)

Paper: 2013-2015 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack (130136) and Whisper White card stock (100730)

Accessories: 1/4″ Rich Razzleberry Cotton Ribbon (134564), Sweetheart Punch (133786), 1/4″ Handheld Circle Punch (134364),Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334)

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

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Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, January 26^th, 2015 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

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Blue Mountain Stampers’ Winter Weekend Shoebox Swaps

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

Today I thought I would share with you some of the swaps the others brought for our Saturday’s Shoebox Swap. There is a wide variety of projects – it was funny since a lot of us chose to do 3-d for a change.

This first project is Janette’s – It hold a note pad and uses the Groovy Love stamp set (134243/134246) along with the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack (137779) and our Basic Hodgepodge Clips (133765)

And here is Anna’s shoebox it’s a cute little Mini Treat Bag (137547) that we made using the Lullaby Designer Series Paper (133695). So simple and a great new addition to our thinlits dies!

The only word of caution when creating these bags with designer series paper – pay attention to the direction the pattern is going….ask me how I know. LOL

And now for some cards…

This first card is soft and femine and uses the Butterfly Thinlits Dies (137360) along with the Artisan Embellishment Kit (137909) and a couple of FREE items from the Sale-a-bration brochure – the Best Year Ever Designer Series Paper (138633) and the sentiment is from the Simply Wonderful stamp set (139125/139128).

Janie used her left over wax paper pieces from a different project to create this wispy feel the butterfly has. Can you see it?

And this last card is Kathleen’s contribution to the shoebox swap. It is made with the Moonlake stamp set (137149/138540) and the Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper (137783).

I’ve added a piece of White Vellum card stock (101856) over the top of the to soften the look of this designer series paper since the pattern was so bold. It quickly solved Kathleen’s problem since she wasn’t completely happy with the card originally for some reason. (One of the great parts of the retreat is sharing creative solutions and ideas! You know how sometimes you’re just not happy with your card? Well Kathleen was experiencing this Friday night when she stamped her swap and just couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t happy – no OCS here, right? LOL I’ve got it too so I know how she was feeling!).

Have you signed up yet?

Tuesday, January 27th

Just $15 and Free with a minimum order

Two times to choose from 10 am or 6:30 pm

RSVP and Prepay by Friday, January, 23rd to hold your spot

Click HERE to see my full Calendar of Events and more detail.

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Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, January 26^th, 2015 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Hello Life Valentine Petite Cafe’ Bags

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

Have you seen the Hello Life stamp set found on page 31 in the Occasions Catalog? I find myself reaching for this fun set time and time again. The images are a great size for all kinds of projects!

Here is a Petite Café bag that I created for my daughter and her friends for Valentine’s Day during my weekend retreat.

Can you guess what the treat contains? There is a funny story attached to this treats and everyone at the retreat thought it was rather funny what I was placing inside when I showed them what I was working with!

I chose our Petite Café Bags since they were shape “forgiving” and my little treat was an odd shape. Here is the completed bags – one for each friend.

Want to know what is inside? Well of course I had to add a little bit of chocolate since who can’t use a little chocolate in their lives, right? But the “big” item my daughter picked out while checking out the clearance isle in our local Wally world…….

Yep…. Play-doh! Would you believe? I was shocked when she got so excited about this find on the shelf. But apparently she and college friends are going to have a blast with the Play-doh. She picked out a different color for each one to have during those stressful college days! LOL. I’m hoping she’ll take some photos for me. I’d love to see the group and what they end up making together! (Isn’t it great – It’s fun to see that little glimmer of the young child she used to be – my kids loved spending hours playing with the homemade play-doh on our kitchen table. Sigh… they grow up sooo fast!)

New Weekly Deals start today!

Good for one week, until January 26th at 11:50 p.m. (MT) – you can get these great deals!

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Supplies:

Stamp Set: Hello Life (137136)

Inks: Real Red (126949) and Crisp Cantaloupe Classic Ink (131176), and Memento Tuxedo Black (132708)

Paper: Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack (137779) and Whisper White card stock (100730)

Accessories: Petite Café Gift Bags (135826)

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

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Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, January 26^th, 2015 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Blue Mountain Stampers’ Winter Weekend Retreat

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

Last week I mentioned I’d share with you some photos from my team retreat, but I got side tracked and forgot. So I thought I’d share them with you today – I hold these retreats three times a year for my team members. It’s like a big slumber party – although a lot of times we don’t get a lot of sleep since once we start creating we don’t want to stop! LOL.

These events are a lot of fun, laid back and relaxing. A nice time away from every day responsibilities.

Team members come and go based on their schedules. One day, evening, the Shoebox Swap, or the whole weekend. What ever works best with their schedules!

It’s a wonderful time of sharing and creating and everyone has access to my classroom items to create. (These events are typically tied to a new catalog launch so we can have fun playing and trying out items that we may not have gotten ourselves.) It’s a lot of fun since everyone does a show and tell before we start of their new goodies!

Here is one of the cards I created for my upcoming Coffee & Cards class on January 27th (There is still time to sign up for this event you can Click HERE to see my calendar of events and more information). It uses our new Crazy About You bundle (139324/139325/138873).

I used this card as my Shoebox Swap on Saturday afternoon – everyone got to make one at the Retreat on Saturday afternoon.

And here is a cute little treat that Janette gave everyone when she arrived on Saturday morning.

Adorable, right? Janette used the new Bow Builder Punch (137414), so the bows were quick and easy! And of course the cut out was created with the Hearts Collection Framelits Dies (125599) great for all kinds of Valentine’s Day projects.

I put together my Hello Life Project Kit (137949). I still need to add the photos to it,

but wow there were a ton of items left after I finished the kit – I can’t wait to use them for other projects or maybe do a second version of the kit so I can change things out. Of course that is if my daughter Kaitlin doesn’t run off with it – she immediately wanted it for her dorm when she saw it! What a great private class this kit makes (ask me about this option so you can earn a free kit).

Do my team retreats sound like fun? Want to join in? Have you ever thought about becoming a Demonstrator and getting a discount on your paper crafting supplies? Do you know you can join my team right now just $99? You’ll get $125 in Stampin’ Up! product of your choice plus 2 Sale-a-bration items – and it ships for FREE! So why not give it a try? Contact me today. You can click HERE to learn more about joining my team, the Blue Mountain Stampers.

Stop back by tomorrow and I’ll with you the Valentine’s project that I made during the retreat for my daughter and her friends.

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Last Chance for January 13th – 19th Weekly Deals

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, January 19^th, 2015 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Coffee & Cards Event

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

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

Work at your own pace – Cards are clean and simple designs and easy to complete in about 1 hour. The class includes cards for birthdays, thinking of you, thank you, seasonal and more!

Date: Tuesday, January 27th

Time: 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $15 (free with a minimum order at event)

envelopes included

Envelopes are included and you can make additional cards for just $1.50

RSVP and prepay by Friday, January 23rd to hold your spot

Click HERE to see my Calendar of Events

Hey, Valentine

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

Do you need some fun and images for Valentine’s Day? If you do then the Hey, Valentine set (137135/138570) may be just the set for you. Great as a card, note or use as a treat topper over our 1″ x 8″ Cello Bags this set makes things so easy and quick!

Here is a card that I made during my weekend retreat using this set. I just love the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack (137779) for card making since it gives you lots of choices and multiple sheets that are just the perfect size for cards or small treats!

I’ve used my Stampin’ Blendabilities Markers to color in these cute little fish – and if you haven’t tried them yet why not earn a set or two for FREE! During Sale-a-bration you can choose our Stampin’ Blendabilities as one of your FREE items (find the complete list in the Sale-a-bration Brochure or click HERE).

And today, I thought I’d share a personal photo of the view out my window, or lack there of! LOL Believe it or not their is a beautiful hillside view the fog is hiding.

I don’t know what the weather is doing in your neck of the woods, but here in Clarkesville it’s like pea soup – Thankfully I didn’t need to go out today since visibility is awful – but I do have to say I miss the sunshine. One thing about living in Wisconsin growing up, it may have been very cold, but it seemed like it was always bright in the winter. I guess it was the snow reflecting the light, but then it’s been a long time so maybe it is just my childhood memory isn’t really that accurate. Anyhow – seems like a good day to stamp since I feel like cocooning!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Hey, Valentine (137135/138570)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black (132708)

Paper: Stacked with Love Designer Series Stack (137779), Soft Sky (131203), Crisp Cantaloupe (131298), and Whisper White card stock (10730)

Accessories: Circles Collection Framelit Dies (130911), Bermuda Bay (133623), Daffodil Delight (130998), Cherry Cobbler (130995), Calypso Coral (130996), and Soft Sky Stampin’ Blendabilies Markers (133626)

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

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Place an Online order with me and use my Hostess Code WXV6B23J and I’ll send you a FREE Tutorial

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, January 19^th, 2015 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Looking for that perfect gift for yourself or a friend, try a Paper Pumpkin Subscription. Add one to your next order, they count towards Hostess Rewards. During Sale-a-bration when you get a 3 month Subscription and you’ll save $5 AND get a FREE Sale-a-bration product! Prepaid subscriptions are the best way to enjoy Paper Pumpkin. Click HERE for more details.

New Weekly Deals and Better Than Email Set

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Stamp with Jini

It’s Tuesday and you know what that means – NEW Weekly Deals!!!

There are some great tools and products to help with your projects. Remember they are available until 11:50 p.m. (MT) on Monday, January 13th, 2015.

NEW Better Than Email Photopolymer Set available today!

Want some great stamps for the back of your cards? Well here is a set that covers all kinds of gift giving and card making – and they are Angel Policy approved too!

Cute, right? Want to see more? Click on the flyer below for the pdf flyer

It’s a rainy day here in North Georgia and that means my internet is spotty – so I’m keeping this short since I’m afraid other wise I won’t get anything posted today! Stop back tomorrow when I’ll be sharing a project with you.

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

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Need a Gift? Share the love of crafting with a Prepaid PAPER PUMPKIN Subscription – Contact me today