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.

It’s a Magical Paper Escape Every Month!

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

Now you too can Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin Kits!

Last week at Leadership in Orlando Stampin’ Up! announced several new products that are going to knock your socks off.

Paper Pumpkin is a new monthly project kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

Get Swept away from the mundane – your creativity carriage awaits you in a box that will arrive at your door each month. It’s a fully decked out creativity carriage just for you and a 30 minute escape from your life with some paper crafting fun.

Paper Pumpkin comes in a sweet little box, but you’ll love what is inside:

All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, decore items and more!

How do you get started?

It’s soooo easy.

Simply sign up now by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com
Click Get It
Complete the online form
List me, Jini Merck, as your demonstrator during the ordering process
Then sit back and relax and wait for you kit to arrive at your door each month.

Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, show off, or share with your friends and family every month! What fun and what a wonderful gift to give someone too!

Of course, you’ll want to know more. So here are the details:

Each month Stampin’ Up! will send you a unique, surprise kit with a project – cards, journals, decor and more (They color coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper and accessories – everything except adhesive
Each kit is a 30 minute creative escape
Paper Pumpkin kits will ship on or around the 15th every month
You need to sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month’s kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. (example: Let’s say you sign up on March 10th, Paper Pumpkin will send your kit around May 15th. If you sign up on March 11th, Paper Pumpkin will send you your first kit around June 15th)
Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and there’s no additional shipping cost)
There’s no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin subscription at any time. You can even skip a month if you want.
Starting in early March, Paper Pumpkin will be offering a Try-It kit. If you’ld like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month. (Our Try It kit is not the same as your subscription kits.)

Here’s how to order

Sign up for your monthly Paper Pumpkin starting today by going to www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get It. Be sure to add me, Jini Merck, as your demo when you fill out the online order form. (Remember Starting in March you can visit my online store to do this too)

Get a FREE Gift in Your Very First Kit

The welcome kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership. The Welcome kit includes a FREE gift – One of our fabulous clear blocks!

Here is a picture of what is in the Welcome Kit

Not sure if you want to commit? You can get the Just Try It kit on March 1st!

Still not sure – come back to see the completed projects I’ll be posting them later.

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

Cozy up with My Digital Studio

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

It’s cold outside so why not cozy up and enjoy a day with My Digital Studio? You’ll have a great time and enjoy making something to share with others.

Of course today is Tuesday, so that means NEW Digital Downloads! And Stampin’ Up! is making it sooo easy to create with this week’s NEW Digital Downloads why not check them out?

Since Valentine’s Day is just three weeks away maybe the NEW Singles Awareness Day Valentine Greeting Card (item #133027) just $2.95 is for you. Quick and simply valentines for your child’s class mates, friends or anyone you want to make feel special!

Clockworks Stamp Brush Set (item 133010) $3.95 on of my favorites and soo versatile in an addition to making a great guy card for that man in your life.

Label This Kitchen Designer Template (item 133022) $7.95 – My Digital Studio downloads isn’t just about stamping how about we help you organize your pantry with these great labels and tags?

Shaped Clips (item132273) $1.95 aren’t’ these just too stinking cute?

And finally the last of our NEW Digital Downloads for this week Nobody’s Business Photobook Template (item 132812) $19.95. This is the favorite of the week for me. I love anything that makes organizing my photos fast and easy and this template looks like it is soo much fun – don’t you love the colors and feel of this book?

Haven’t tried My Digital Studio yet? Why not download your FREE Trial version today of MDS2 – you’re going to fall in love with all it’s fantastic features and just how easy it is too create! Click HERE for more information.

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

Leadership 2013 – Day 3

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

I’m sorry to say I didn’t get to post this as soon as I wanted because the last day of Stampin’ Up! Leadership 2013 was a fantastic and full day! Saturday began with Shelli greeting us and showing us some wonderful projects with our charming Tea for Two Suite projects. You got to love the feel and look of the suite and the fact that everything coordinates together. I love the soft spring colors it includes.

I’m so tickled to say that we were told our Single Stamps has been successful enough that they will be continued with two new groups being offered– whoo hoo! What a great way to get your favorite stamps without buying the set if you choose. Who wouldn’t like that right?

Another exciting announcement was made about the Best of 25 Years stamp sets that will be released monthly during 2013. Who wouldn’t like that? It’s a chance to get the most popular stamps that we’ve had over the last 25 years along with an NEW exclusive image too!

Next we headed out for break out classes. I really loved these because we got great information in a small group setting. From Creating a Blueprint for Success with Brandi Barnard and Meg Daves to a really awesome downline training class called Strategies to Empower your Downline that Holly Linford and Lynsay Mahon gave. I loved it all and learned wonderful tips and information that made me feel empowered to improve my life and make a difference in my TEAMs lives.

And meeting the people that I’ve been working with and have admired over the last several years was soo much fun. What a wonderful way to share with others what we all love – paper crafting.

During Leadership 2013 Stampin’ Up! gave us the opportunity to make a difference to the children in Florida with a service project designed to get things to children who don’t have access to them. Stampin’ Up! gave us the opportunity to stuff bags and fill them with markers, cardstock and other paper crafting supplies that would be delivered locally to children in need through the schools. How great is that. Watching the Stampin’ Up! semi loaded with supplies for the children of the area – a true feel good moment. Stampin’ Up! does make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.

A wonderful lunch which included another delightful meal and fellowship around the table meeting a new friend, Robin whom joined our group.

Leadership has been a chance to grow and reach out to others and spend time getting to know stamping friends even better.

Leadership 2013 ended with a special message from the management, a little bit of silliness with Bonnie, and a final message from Shelli, and a final prize patrol of course. After all who doesn’t love prize patrol?

Check out this quick little video where Bonne lead us in song – how crazy was that?

What a wonderful experience Leadership 2013 has been.

As we headed off to enjoy dinner together at a local Chinese restaurant we shared our favorite experience of Leadership 2013 with each other.

Above Janie and I check out the menu. We had a great time trying new dishes during our time in Orlando. Below is a shot of Kathleen and Janie.

One final event Sale-a-bration Celebration after dinner was a ton of fun. What great projects and laughter. I do hope that Stampin’ Up! will offer this opportunity again in other cities since it was a great chance to share the love of paper crafting and it gives everyone a great opportunity to see how much fun being part of Stampin’ Up! can be.

Want to see what all the excitement is about? Why not come by on Sunday, January 20^th and see all the wonderful Sale-a-bration and Spring Catalog products during my Sale-a-Bration Celebration.

You can click HERE for more details.

I’ll try and post some of the wonderful swaps and more information about all the exciting things going on during the up coming days.

Join Me For My Sale-a-Bration Celebration

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

Why not join me during my FREE Sale-a-bration Celebration event. There is still time to RSVP!

Click HERE for more information

Day Two – Leadership 2013

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

Woo hoo Leadership started with a greeting from Shelli on stage in the Chaplin Theater where all 1,500 of us gathered. What fun! So many great things are coming up for us in 2013! You’re going to LOVE all the new products that are being introduced. I’m looking forward to telling you all about it when I get home.

I really enjoyed my first class of the day with Shannon West who led the class Meet New People, Find New Faces. I always enjoy her presentations. It was a great way to start the first full day of Stampin’ Up! Leadership 2013.
At lunch we were all pampered with a wonderful meal.

Here are Janie, Anna and I with our decadent desserts.

Next we were off to some wonderful presentations by fellow demos. My head is whirling with all the great projects they have presented to us. You could feel the creative energy in the air here at Leadership.

A wonderful dinner with the gang at Copper Canyon with Joe, our waiter, we just couldn’t resist going back the food and service was just so wonderful.

Stamping Under the Stars – What fun, and knowing my daughter would be rolling her eyes at me made it all the sweeter. As we headed down the street in our PJs to join the others, I was really looking forward to the first ever evening session. The excitement was in the air, with everyone gathered together. Sara greeted us, Donna Griffith, Carrie Cudney, and Brian Pilling presented wonderful projects with all the scrumptious new Spring Catalog and Sale-a-Bration products.

Brian was especially entertaining as he stepped out in his P.J. duds and explained that it was his first Pajama Party ever, so he did a little research to be prepared. He was all set to play games, have pillow fights and talk about boys with all of us since that is what you do at pajama parties after all according to the internet, right? What a hoot!

And of course who doesn’t love Prize Patrol! Chuckles, laughter and fun – that is what stamping is all about. I feel so blessed that I’m able to be a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and able to make a difference in your lives thanks for stamping with me.

Are you enjoying the pictures? Want to see more check out my face book page Stamp with Jini where I’ve posted more photos of the Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference for you.

Stampin’ Up! Leadership 2013 – Day One

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

Oh the excitement. What a great day of meeting new friends and sharing stories!
Today started out with an organized swap where we spent 4 hours just stamping. What a blast that was. Here is a photo of me in the Manatee/Dolphin room in the Clarion, our hotel. Door prizes, chocolate and stamping – heaven! But shhh… don’t tell my husband remember I’m working.

The afternoon brought the beginning of the Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference and a Meet & Greet at the Orange County Convention Center where we met up with friends. Here is a photo of all of us (Anna, Janie and I) at the Meet & Greet with Carrie Cudney, from training at Stampin’ Up!

Meet & Greet with Carrie The end of the day wrapped up with a wonderful class given by Brian Pilling called Managers’ Reception – Be There Next Year. After all who wouldn’t want an exclusive night at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter just for being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator! Ever think about becoming a Stampin’ Up! demo? Why not join today – Click HERE for more information.
Here is a picture of Janie, Brian and I after the class.

Afterward our little group enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Tommy Bahamas – their stuffed shrimp was sooo divine. Here are Janie and I outside the restraunt enjoying the wonderful balmy Florida weather.

Back in our room and winding down for a early day with more exciting stuff to come tomorrow during Leadership.

Leadership Gift

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

Are you still wondering what I was making in the picture I posted yesterday? Did you catch the hint about my swaps being in the fabric tote? And did you notice and recognize our Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric? Well I had the best time playing around with some of our wonderful fabric from the Clearance Rack over the weekend. I wanted to make something special to carry all those swaps around in this week at the Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference and came up with the fabric tote that you saw in yesterday’s post. You can click Here to see that post.

First let me show you the purse that I fell in love with this summer and that inspired me to create this fabric tote.

And here is the fabric tote I made for myself. I love pastels and spring colors so I thought this would be a lot of fun.

I loved the way my tote turned out so I thought it would make a great down line gift for my TEAM member Janie too. She loves the rich earthy colors in the Deck the Halls Designer fabric so I chose to make her tote out of it since it is also available on the Clearance Rack.

Here is Janie opening up her gift today after we got settled into her room. I’m pleased to say that she really seemed happy by my hand crafted fabric tote.

This fabric tote is a smaller version of my tote but I really love the way it turned out. Now I just have to remember how I made it so I can make myself one – since I didn’t use a pattern that may be a challenge.

Want to see all the other wonderful Designer Fabrics that Stampin’ Up! has to offer? Or some of the other wonderful items that are available on the Clearance rack? Click HERE to check it out – some of the items are up to 80% off!

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

Leadership Just One More Day Away!

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

Well after a 10 hour road trip my down line Janie and I have arrived in Orlando and we’re excited to start our first Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference tomorrow! It is a balmy 85 here in Orlando! Can you believe it? Is it really January? Since this is my first time in central Florida I enjoyed the scenery coming into the state and the lovely country side and my first glimpse of orange trees.

Today I thought I would share with you a little peak of what a trip to Stampin’ Up! Leadership looks like. Here are all the things that I packed to bring with me. I thought I did pretty good since my daughter said I was allowed to take ALL my clothes with me since I’m a girl “it’s allowed”. Now I know why a 3 day trip requires 3 suitcases for a 17 year old girl! I only forgot my pillow so since we hit the road at 4:30 a.m. I guess that isn’t too bad, right?

I’m really excited about swapping. That is something we demos do to share ideas, new products and designs. I’ll look forward to sharing some of these swaps with you when I return – so stay tuned.

So here is what my 163 swaps look like. Packed and ready to go. You’ll notice them in my new fabric tote in the previous photo.

Yes 163, I ran out of time to do any more since I was sick, but this is one of the favorite parts of getting together with other demos for me – the sharing of ideas.

And here is a sneak peek at a special project that I’ve made for my down line Leadership gift. Come back tomorrow and I’ll show you more.

Mean while I believe we’re going to head out and explore the city and meet some of our other demo friends. Did I already say I’m so excited?

Wishes Your Way

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

Check out our fun NEW Pinwheel Sizzlits die (item # 129411 just $4.95) from the Spring Catalog. What fun it is to make these little pinwheels and there are all the rage right now – just in time for your spring cards.

Here is the card I designed for the recent shoebox with my SINKS friends. I like the whimsical saying and the feel of this card – what do you think?

It’s also one of my Leadership swaps that I’ll be taking with me as I head out the door – I’m sooo excited to be going and look forward to sharing all the exciting news from Leadership soon! Stay tuned and check out my posts on face book, twitter and here on my blog – I’ll be posting from sunny Orlando soon!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Wishes Your Way

Inks: Island Indigo

Paper: In Color DSP Stack, Island Indigo and Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Pinwheel Sizzlits, Honeycomb Embossing Folder

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

Officially Awesome Digital Content

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Stamp with Jini

It’s freezing outside, so how about taking a little time to daydream about love and spring? Check out today’s NEW Digital Downloads full of Valentine’s Day stuff and spring things. You won’t want to miss the newly released Officially Awesome Valentines Designer Template (item #133009 $3.95) with its tiny, trendy valentines that fit in their own tiny, trendy envelopes.