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.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME = FREE SHIPPING FOR YOU!

Five years ago today I became a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator! To celebrate and share in my Anniversary excitement and give something back to all of YOU, my fantastic stamping friends and customers, I’m offering FREE SHIPPING on all qualifying orders for one week!

Place any order ANY TIME between now Sunday, March 9th and Sunday, March 16th and get FREE Shipping! Live locally? I’ll let you know as soon as your order arrives and can be picked up. Live out of town? No problem since your order can be shipped directly to you.

Not sure what you want to get? Why not browse my Online Store by clicking HERE and see what our current promotions are, what is new, and what’s on sale. And since its Sale-a-bration you’ll receive a FREE Sale-a-bration item for every $50 in merchandise your purchase too. How great is that?

Please note that he Online Store does NOT have a FREE Shipping option. To place your order and take advantage of my special Anniversary FREE Shipping Offer please email me at [email protected] or call me at 706 754-7124.

Fine print: I’ll pay up to 10% shipping on the total of merchandise purchased.

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 10th, 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

Birthday Wishes Four You

Why does this time of year always get me motivated for home improvement projects? I’m not sure but it seems that this time of year my husband and I are always getting into something. This weeks project – Finishing the pantry downstairs. Now don’t get me wrong I’m really excited about getting some more storage space in my house to organize things. I’m just not nuts about painting trim – which I guess is why it wasn’t done last fall. My excuse was I couldn’t find what I needed and the holidays were coming, thus the newly built shelves sitting in our garage still.

So since my friend Rosemary from Leadership could paint her bathroom during a northeastern winter storm I could paint my trim, right? Here is what I’ve learned during the process of my painting the latest trim.

1. I really don’t believe it is cheaper to have painted trim. (This was our builders reason for going with white trim, verses the stained trim I wanted. I’m not sure he included the fact it has to be painted, repeatedly. But it sounded good to my husband at the time and it does pop and look nice when the paint is fresh.)

2. I’m not very neat at caulking. It seems like I end up getting more on me and the rag that the trim. Thus the pile of rags – that reminds me I need to locate more rags for tomorrow. (However, since I’ve taught myself through trial and error and the end project looks ok, I guess caulk and soap are cheap.)

3. I really hate caulking and painting the trim around framed openings and doorways. There are waaay too many corners and edges and some how I always need to lean on the wall next to me. Thus the paint on the right side of my body and hair – I forgot the fact I just painted that wall – LOL!

4. I reeeally really dislike painting an exterior door – why did they make those gaskets black anyway? And what was I thinking wanting all those doors?

5. If anyone were to tell you I’m a perfectionist, they are wrong and they obviously haven’t seen me paint trim. A good enough job is perfectly okay with me! Shhh… don’t tell my husband.

6. Being able to frost and decorate cakes does not mean you’ll be good at mudding sheetrock, caulking, or painting trim. This is the logic my husband has used since 1987 for the reason I do the detail and trim work when painting. Personally, I just think he hates doing those things more than me. But since he does the hanging, sanding, spackling, and rolling which I’m REALLY bad at it works out, right?

7. Bifocals make detail work a bear – especially when you’re blind as a bat! I’m sure my husband would have been howling with laughter if he were watching me paint today holding my glasses in my one hand while painting with the other! Thus the paint on the left side of my head – hopefully I got it all when I showered, that way he’ll never have to know!

Of course, all of this is like childbirth right? When you’re done you forget all the pain involved. And I’m really looking forward to the finished result – a new storage space to organize!

So now to treat myself, I’m off to stamp in my classroom. (Even though my video space is covered in wet trim, I made sure I left enough space to stamp. Priorities – seriously:) But first I wanted to share this fun card I made.

Four You

The color pallet for this card was pulled from the Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper. Don’t you love our Designer Series Paper Stacks? They are so great for card making and since there are 12 different designs to choose from they’re great for all kinds of projects! I’m reaching for mine all the time.

Just a tip when recreating this card you’ll want to attach your Designer Series Paper to your card stock before you punch the two ends – it will make things a lot easier, ask me how I know.  And since the base layer is Whisper White you won’t have a problem with your punch.

And do you recognize the ribbon used on this card? It’s the Coastal Cabana 3/8″ Ruffle Stretch trim that can currently be found on our Weekly Deals list. How cool is that right?

Coastal Cabana  Ruffle Stretch Ribbon

Click HERE to see all our Weekly Deals for this week.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Four You (130535/130538) and Petal Parade (Sale-a-bration 133599/133602)

Inks: Coastal Cabana (131175) and Real Red Classic Stampin’ Pad (126949)

Paper: Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (132996), Coastal Cabana (131297), Crumb Cake (120953), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Coastal Cabana 3/8″ Ruffle Stretch Trim (130024),  Scallop Tag Topper Punch (133324), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (132187), and Arrows Embossing Folder (132187)

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 10th, 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). Make sure you forward me your confirmation email so I can send you your FREE gift!

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

New Digital Downloads

Starburst Sayings

Okay, I’ve had a lesson in frustration today once again with my internet. I’m assuming it is giving me fits since the wind is howling here in North Georgia and rattling the house. So I’m happy to say I’m finally able to share today’s card with you, although it is a bit later than I had hoped.

Today’s card is one that I received in a Leadership swap. I love the little banners used on this card made with our FREE Banner Punch. Kathy used the colors from the Retro Fresh Washi Tape found in the Occasions Catalog to determine the colors.

Starburst Sayings Leadership 2014 swap

There is also a lot of texture to this card and I hope you can see it in my photo. Not only do you have the linen texture of the Core’dinations Card stock but you also have the added texture of the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder along the bottom. The little cut out made in the Pool Party Core’dinations Card stock around the focal point adds some depth and interest – Fun, right?

And did you know that two of the products used to make this card are FREE Sale-a-bration items? Better yet, you can save 15% when you buy the Starburst Sayings Stamp Set and Starburst Framelits Dies in a Bundle (134817/134818) found in the Occasions Catalog on page 34- How great is that!

Want to know more about how to earn FREE items during Sale-a-bration? They are only available through March 31st so why not email or call me today and I’ll tell you how you can earn your own FREE Sale-a-bration items.

Don’t have the latest catalog? If you would like your own Sale-a-bration and Occasions Catalog just email me your name, phone number, and address and I’ll be happy to send you one. But meanwhile you can check out everything here in the Online Catalogs found in my Online Store.

Oh, and if you want to learn more about our Core’dinations Card stock why not check out my very first video Tutorial – Coredinations Card Stock by clicking HERE.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Starburst Sayings (133182/133185)

Inks: Tangerine Tango (126946)

Paper: Subtles Core’dinations Card stock (129954), Tangerine Tango (111349), Baked Brown Sugar (131296), So Saffron (105118), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Retro Fresh Washi Tape (133001),  Starburst Framelits Dies (132967), Circles Collection Framelits (130911), Decorative Dots (Sale-a-bration 133520), Banner Punch (Sale-a-bration 133519), and Rhinestones Basic Jewels (119246)

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 10th, 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 You

Four You is a great stamp set since this four piece set covers the basic occasions that a every stamper needs. The variety of fonts are bold and fun too!

for you

Here is a card that I made using the Four You and Petal Parade Stamp Sets during a shoebox swap at Leadership. I really like the way that Katrina chose the colors based on the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper and the cute little starburst medallion.

Four You Scallop Punch Starburst Medallion

Want to know how I made the starburst medallion that is the focal point? Why not check out my latest video – Scallop Circle Starburst Medallions

Quick and easy, right? I hope you’ll have fun making these starburst medallions with your Scallop Circle Punches.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Four You (130535-130538) and Petal Parade (Sale-a-bration 133599-133602)

Inks: Baked Brown Sugar (131174) and Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin’ Pad (126946)

Paper: Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper (132993), Tangerine Tango (111349), So Saffron (105118), Baked Brown Sugar (131296), Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650)

Accessories: Subtles Candy Dots (130933), 1 3/8″ Circle Punch (119860), 1 3/4″ Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Hexagon Punch (130919), and Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Get Your Favorite Best of Stamp Sets Before It’s Too Late

Image of all Best of stamp sets

Did you know that the Best of Stamp Sets celebrating Stampin’ Up!’s best of 25 years are only available until March 31st? And that if you buy 6 sets you’ll get a FREE stamp set valued up to $14.95?

Why not check  out all the Best of Stamp Sets today by clicking HERE

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

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

Simply Sketched Sympathy Card

Seems like lately I’m finding myself in need of sympathy cards. So today I worked on one for a friend who recently lost her mother. This card I created is clean and simple and I really like the way it turned out.

Simply Sketched Sympathy (1)

I  created this card using the Simply Sketched Hostess Stamp Set (12969/129672) and the Oh, Hello Stamp Set (131931/130733) from the 2013 Annual Catalog. Stamped in Midnight Muse the images from the Simply Sketched Stamp Set are perfect for sympathy cards. I’ve used the Naturals White Card Stock since this card stock is a bit more muted and earthy feeling.

As a final pop of color I’ve used the Midnight Muse 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon (126847)to make an elegant bow across the bottom portion of this card. And great news this ribbon is part of this week’s Weekly Deals – so why not order yours today?

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

NEW WEEKLY DEALS!

Weekly Deals March 4 2014

Click HERE to see the Weekly Deals in my Online Store

New Downloads for My Digital Studio

Dropping You a Line Kit (item 137389)

Dropping You a Line Kit MDS

Want to see all the new downloads? Check out all the great NEW Digital Downloads available today by clicking HERE.

And if you haven’t already checked out our FREE 30 Day Trial for My Digital Studio – why not try it today? You’ll be glad you did it is a lot of fun!

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 10th, 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)

New Digital Downloads

New Classes Scheduled for March

To reserve your seat please call or email at today:

Petal Parade Card Set

Petal Parade Card Set Stamp Camp

Monday, March 17th at 6:30 p.m.

Dryer Sheet Technique Class

Dryer Sheet Technique

Tuesday, March 25th at 6:30 p.m.

Secret Garden Card Set

This stamp camp has a product Bundle Option which includes a discounted class price when purchased. Because this is a product based class RSVP and payment must be made by Tuesday, March 31st in order to have items back in time for use in the class.

Secret Garden Card Set

Monday, April 14th 6:30 p.m.

You can click HERE to see my complete Calendar of Events and all the details along with color flyers for these classes.

On a personal note, my email service has been recently under attack. Your information has been protected and is safe. However, because of the problems, this may have flagged my email to you as spam or gray mail. Simply moving it into your inbox or marking my email as not being spam will solve this problem for the future. Sorry about any inconvenience this may cause.

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

 

You’re Lovely

You’re Lovely is one of those great items that you can earn during Sale-a-bration for FREE. This stamp set was one of the first item I chose to earn because I love the images and sentiments that come in the set. The fact that it coordinates with our Deco Labels Collection Framelits was an added bonus. After all who doesn’t like Framelits?

You're Lovely Leadership Swap 2014

I made this card during my Leadership Shoebox Swap in Houston. I really love the way it uses the Sale-a-bration Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper to determine the colors used to create this card. And who doesn’t love our In Color Crisp Cantaloupe Ruffle Stretch Ribbon? It’s just yummy and adds that special little touch.

March is a great time to host a party and earn some FREE merchandise along with your own FREE Sale-a-bration items. Why not choose your party date today? Just give me a call or email me and we’ll set up a time and date that works for you.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: You’re Lovely (133575/133578)

Inks:  Jet Black StazOn (101406)

Paper: Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper (133521), Basic Black (121045), Crisp Cantaloupe (131298),  Pistachio Pudding (131294), and Whisper White Card Stock (100730)

Accessories: 2013-2015 In Color Stampin’ Write Markers (131260), Delicate Dots Embossing Folder (133520), Deco Labels Collection Framelits (130102),  Crisp Cantaloupe 3/8″ Ruffle Stretch Trim (1300211), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

CLEAR MOUNT STAMP ASSEMBLY TIP TUTORIAL

Have you been having problems with your stamps clinging to your clear blocks? Did you know that sometimes the weather can affect this, along with the oils from your hands? Would you like a tip that helps your stamps adhere better to your blocks year round?

Well this weekend I put this little tutorial together for you. I hope you’ll find it helpful.

LAST DAY FOR WEEKLY DEALS

Today is the last day for to order Weekly Deals. Tomorrow there will be new ones. So why not check them out and let me know if you would like something? Or place your order in my Online Store and have the items shipped direct to your home.

Don’t forget to use my Hostess Code 6JDYYVZ4 when you place your Online Orders. It’s quick and easy to do and you’ll find the latest Hostess Code at the end of every blog post.

Weekly Deals Feb 25 2014

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 3rd, 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)

New Digital Downloads

 

Slip Free Yarn Hangers

Today’s post is one that is a non stamping project, but I thought you may enjoy it. Lately I’ve had several people ask me to share how I make these Slip Free Yarn Hangers that I’ve made for family and friends. So I thought to myself it would be easier to show you with a video tutorial.

DSC01096

These slip free yarn hangers are easy to make, use up those left over skeins I’ve got laying around the house, and keep my hands busy so I don’t snack while watching TV at night! (My weight loss program at its finest since late night snacking is a tough one for me – LOL)

My daughter has recently discovered the benefits of these after she took her batch that I made as a Christmas gift to college. No more tank tops on the floor of her college closet. She has recently said to me  “These are great. Can you make me another 20?”

So I’m looking for more of those wire hangers. The biggest problem I have is finding two that are the size shape and size hiding in my stash.

Hope you enjoy my tutorial. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. And if you make some – why not share your creations with me on my Facebook page? I’d love to see your slip free yarn hangers!

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals Feb 25 2014

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 3rd, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Papillon Potpourri File Folder Card

Yesterday was such a crazy day that I didn’t realize until late last night that I hadn’t posted the project I wanted to share with you. How crazy is that?

So I’ll just share the project with you today – so here  it goes.

This file folder card using the Papillon Potpourri stamp set is one that I made at a demo meeting recently. It uses one of my favorite Designer Series Papers, Afternoon Picnic. The subtle colors and vintage patterns of this paper just make me feel good and feel like spring is right around the corner. And with the couple of days of pretty weather we had recently I’m ready for spring to arrive soon.

Papillon Potpourri File Folder card

Want to know how I made this card? Check out my earlier post sharing my Video Tutorial for my File Folder Card #4 to show you how. You’ll see it’s the same basic card but the colors chosen give it a completely different feel.

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Papillon Potpourri (132058/123759)

Inks: Old Olive (126953) and Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin’ Pads (126985)

Paper:  Afternoon Picnic Designer Series Paper (131390), and Wisteria Wonder Card Stock (122922)

Accessories: Bitty Butterfly Punch (129406), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526), 1 ¾” Circle Punch (119860), 1 3/8″ Circle Punch (119850), Envelope Punch Board (133774), Stampin’ Trimmer (126889), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Old Olive 1/8″ Taffeta  Ribbon (119256), and Stampin’ Sponges (101610)

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

Hostess code 6JDYYVZ4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 3rd, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

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

New Digital Downloads

Scallop Tag Topper Treats Tutorial

As promised yesterday here is my latest tutorial for the Scallop Tag Topper Treats that my Hostesses received during the Hostess Appreciation Brunch this past weekend.

Scallop Tag Topper Treats

They are so much fun to make using the Scallop Tag Topper Punch, and the basic design can be customized for any occasion. Quick and easy to make – I think you’re friends will love them too, since they hold 2 Hershey’s Nuggets.

Everyone needs a little chocolate sometimes and when it’s in a treat there are no calories, right? LOL

Check out my latest video tutorial – Scallop Tag Topper Treats

What event will you make your Scallop Tag Topper Treats for?

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Petite Petals (133152/133155) and Banner Greetings (Hostess Set 129711/129714)

Inks: Real Red (126949)

Paper: Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (132996) and Whisper White (100730)

Accessories: Scallop Tag Topper Punch (133324),  Real Red 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon (126875),  Petite Petals Punch (133322), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), and Glue Dots (103683)

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

Hostess code UQJ7HZ76

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, March 3rd, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

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

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine Flyer