Showing posts with label Stampin' Up Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stampin' Up Events. Show all posts

Monday, May 28, 2012

Monochromatic Just Believe

Another little lag in my blog posts, but wow, was I sick! I don't remember being that sick in a long time and I'm still not 100%. But today I ate 3 meals, small meals, but 3 meals. And I was hungry! So I see that as progress. I also took the opportunity with my higher energy levels to do some stamping. Can you believe I hadn't stamped in a week?!?!? Craziness!

I don't often do monochromatic cards. Not sure why, guess it's just not my usual style. But going a bit out of my box is not a bad idea once in a while ;) This is just what the Dynamic Duos Challenge had me do: create a card with Bashful Blue and Marina Mist. And even though I didn't have time to enter my card into the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge last week, I did use their sketch because I loved it so much.



Tips & Tricks:

*I was excited to use the Beau Chateau DSP one more time before it retires! It has Marina Mist in which worked perfectly for my color challenge card :)
*I love Bashful Blue, but it's not too dark and was worried my gorgeous flower would show up. And then I realized that this is the perfect image for the Rock and Roll technique. I first stamped my card in Bashful Blue and rolled the edges in Marina Mist. I love how it makes the image POP!
*I added a bit of glitter to the flowers, as well as the grasses at the bottom. Love those Dazzling Diamonds.
*Do you have a hard time inking larger images properly? Can't get the ink on evenly and all over the stamp? Have no fear - Firm Foam Ink Pads will be here June 1st! SU! has changed their ink pads to a new material and holy smokes! What. A. Difference. Just tap your stamp on the pad and voila - perfectly inked stamps big and small! If you're in Ottawa, come and try them at my New Catalogue Event and BOGO Sale. Register here: http://monicasnewcattieparty.eventbrite.com.

I think I'm going to have to do this monochromatic look again sometime, I kinda like it ;) 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Watercoloring and Spotlighting

One of the big perks of attending a Stampin' Up! event such as Leadership is getting NEW, sneak peek stamp sets that no one has seen before. I have been waiting for the right moment to break this one out and it seems like I've been swamped with Valentine's Day and birthday cards. So finally, I get to use and show off the Everything Eleanor stamp set which will be featured in the 2012-2013 Catalogue. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, especially swirly brocade. The flowers are gorgeous and there's few other super beautiful stamps I haven't used on this card.


My inspiration for this card was the Friday Mashup Challenge. We were challenged to use penguins on our card, use the spotlighting technique, or mash it up and do both. Well, I don't have any penguins and I really wanted to use my new stamp set so I did the spotlighting technique. I did cheat a bit and included the sweet little bird stamped in pool party. I guess he's 'spotlighted', too ;)


From the Mini stamp set Loving Thoughts, I thought the 'dream' sentiment fit this card perfectly.

Tips & Tricks:

*For added dimension, I used Crystal Effects to give my flowers a dewy look, and also to make my sweet little bird (can you tell I love that little guy?)
*I've had a few people tell me that this stamp set looks 'old'. Well, it's only as old as you want it to be. Add some modern, fresh colors and I think this set is as young as you want it to be.
*I water colored the flowers with classic ink and my Aquapainters. I started with some Wisteria Wonder throughout the flower, concentrating it in the center. I added some Perfect Plum, mainly in the center and the inner petals. I then added some Elegant Eggpalnt mainly to the center a few of the outer petals to give the illusion of shadows and natural shading.
*When watercoloring, make sure to stamp your image in Staz On. It's alcohol based and won't run when you are watercoloring.

Did you love this card? Come and make it and THIS waterfall card at a Stamping Technique Class this Sunday February 19th. It's going to be tonnes of fun and I hope you can join me!

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks in the coming weeks - so so fun :) 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Leadership Recap

Last week, I attended Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference in San Antonio. In short, it was awesome. I'm not sure what I enjoyed more: the conference, touring gorgeous San Antonio, or getting away by myself for 6 days! I think it was a pretty even tie! The first day, we collected our gorgeous Leadership Bags and made some Make & Takes.


As usual, SU! did not disappoint with the bags and yes, the fabric is a sneak peek from the new catalogue!!! I'm pretty picky, but I am in love with this bag! The bottom part is attached by our Neutrals Designer Buttons and can be removed or flipped inside out! How awesome is that?

Look at what else you can you can do with this awesome fabric. I love all the ideas SU! gives us for using their products:


One of our M&T's was a card for Ronald McDonald House. I love this card and have already used this design in one of my classes (and plan on using it some more)!


Another perk of Leadership was watching some of the head people in company tell us about upcoming changes, financials and doing some stamping. Additionally, I was able to take some Leadership-based clases.

The first class I took was on titled "Sharing the Stampin' Up! Opportunity" by Brian Pilling, which was essentially a class to help demonstrators with their recruiting efforts. It was fantastic, and offered a different way of looking at the progress of a relationship between a demonstrator and a new customer / potential recruit. It involves looking at the relationship in a staircase model starting from initiation of a relationship to experimenting, intensifying, integrating and finally bonding (in a romantic relationship, this would be marriage - in a demo-customer relationship, this would be the customer becoming a demo). I loved the ideas I got and how the presentation gave me a new idea on how to approach recruiting.

I also took a class on "Retaining and Engaging Your Downline" by Donna Griffith and fellow Demonstrator Patsy Waggoner. Although most new demonstrators think that getting someone to sign up with Stampin' Up! is the difficult part of being an upline, we all quickly realize that it's the easy part! The hard part is actually retaining your downline and have them sell and recruit themselves. Patsy told us how she has grown and changed her business in the last year and I have to say, this was my favorite class. I was inspired by her. She has completely turned her business around and grown it significantly. For me, her tips on engaging my downline such as sending cards monthly to top sellers/recruiters as well as celebrating their achievements with them really made sense! I've tried doing them in the past and got lazy after 1 or 2 months. But Patsy's results were inspiring and I'm going to give it a good go this time!

I know there wasn't much stamping in this post, but hope you enjoyed hearing about my Leadership experiences. 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Hostess Appreciation Part 2 & Another Sneak Peak

For my Hostess Appreciation Party last week I wanted to give all my hostesses something special. Getting inspiration from our Stampin' Girls Convention I made all of them one of a kind customized notepads. They were demo'd by a sideline, Jenn Nusbaum, and when I saw them I just knew I'd have to do them for my hostesses. I'll have a tutorial on that coming soon! But better yet, I used our new Level 1 Hostess Set Because I Care (from the 2010/2011 IB&C) to make 6 similar but different cards. I'll be honest, when I first saw this set I wasn't sure. Actually, who am I kidding. I did not like it. At all. But then I saw some samples. And then I CASEd one of my sideline's cards and I made the card in this post. And I fell in love ;)


To make my cards I just pulled out 6 different pre-cut cards I had used in stamp-a-stacks earlier in the year. I didn't want to have to colour the big bloom on all the cards in because, well, I was making 14 cards! So I decided to spot colour them, a technique where you colour just selected parts of the image. And you know what? It turned out so well! Add a little glitter into the middle of the bud and voila - gorgeous cards that are all the same, but just a little different! I'm definitely going to do this again and challenge you to do so as well! Make 2, 4, 6, or more similar but different cards! It's a great way to get those creative juices flowing AND make a bunch of cards ;) And if you leave them without a greeting, you can customize them as occasions come along!


Did you know that to earn this stamp set all you have to do is host a workshop with sales of only $200? It's a Level 1 Hostess Set! You could also simply act as your own hostess, place an order online of $200 or more and earn it! What an easy way to earn a gorgeous stamp set FREE! I'm booking August and September so contact me today to book your stampin' party.


Finally, a party isn't a party without some awesome food! We had champagne to start the evening off. Then we had some Chocolate Peanut Butter Mounds, Deluxe Brownie Tarts, Chocolate Covered Gummi Bears (yuuuummmm!) and some fresh fruit. But the best treat I had for my hostesses were gourmet cupcakes made by a local mompreneur, My Little Cupcakes. All I can say is yum yum yum yum yum! Even though I shouldn't indulge in them (my little guy has a severe milk allergy and I'm nursing him so that means no dairy for me - boooo!) I just couldn't resist! All cupcakes I've had from My Little Cupcakes are delish, but the chocolate icing is just to die for! Don't tell me this picture doesn't make you want to reach through the screen and grab a cupcake (or maybe all of them?) LOL!


I hope that this post has inspired you to try to make several but different cards and keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!






Love these projects? Click here to shop Stampin' Up! with me 24/7! (Canada only)

Monday, May 3, 2010

It's a Garage Sale AND YOU can Earn SU! product!

Okay, so it's not 'til July! But I've gotta start planning sometime right? So here are the important dates:

Saturday July 10th - Sneak Peak Garage Sale for Consignors - 7-10
Sunday July 11th - Retired Product Garage Sale - ALL day
Monday July 12th - Retired Product Garage Sale - 1-9

Thursday July 15th - New Cattie Open House #1 - 7:30 - 10
Saturday July 17th - New Cattie Open House #2 - 1 - 4

WHY am I talking about this stuff now? Because it involves YOU! This isn't just a garage sale for MY retired product. I know I'm not the only one who hoardes DSP like nobody's business. And I KNOW I won't be the only one who has retired card stock, ink, markers, etc. to sell when the new colours start with the 2010/2011 Catalogue. So here's the deal!

*You can consign your RETIRED SU! product (stamp sets, punches, card stock, DSP, ribbon and other accessories) with me. You can also consign any non-SU! products you'd like to sell. You must submit a list of everything and the products to me by June 30th (so that I have time to price and organize everything). I will be setting the prices for all product.

*You get a SU! Credit Voucher from me for the 100% of the product sold redeemable towards SU! product by December 31st, 2010 OR 40% of what you make in CASH to use as you please! If you choose the Credit Voucher option this is how it will work:
1) You MUST redeem your Credit Voucher by December 31st, 2010.
2) Your Credit Voucher will go towards SU! product. So if you earn a Credit Voucher for $20, this will go towards your purchase+shipping+taxes. Any amount exceeding this can be paid as per the usual methods (cash, cheque or credit card). Please e-mail me for any clarification :)
3) You cannot purchase a Gift Certificate with your earnings. You must use it for current SU! product by December 31st.

*You have two options for unsold items.
1) Keep them consigned with me for a period of THREE months for sale at my Open Houses and online afterwards. You can again keep 100% of the earnings to use towards SU! product (I'll give you a Credit Voucher valid for 6 months from issue) OR take 40% of what you make in CASH.
2) I can give them back to you.

You may be wondering WHY you'd consign with me and not just sell it yourself. There's power in numbers. This will be a BIG event and that will draw many people. It's also much easier to do it through me than list everything yourself. I've done it and between all the photos and then the no-shows when you set up appointments, it can be a frustrating and lengthy process. So consign your things with me and let me do all the work!

Hope this all makes sense! E-mail me at stampingmonica@gmail.com for your Consignment Contract and let's make this a success for you AND me!

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Haitian Earthquake Relief Fundraiser Sneak Peak #2

I'm back today with Sneak Peak #2 for the Fundraiser set to take place this Friday February 19th at 7:30. These aren't your standard simple cards - I wanted to make these cards really special for this event.



Although the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set wasn't originally on my wish list I am SOOOO glad I got it! I love it and it's much more versatile than you'd think. Come to my fundraiser on Friday and you'll see what I mean!

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

I {Heart} Hearts for Haiti Fundraiser

To help out the people suffering from the recent earthquake in Haiti, Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from the sale of each I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (pictured below) to the Red Cross. To help Stampin' Up!'s Fundraising initiative, I will be holding a Fundraising Event on February 19th at 7:30 PM.



For a $5 donation, come make 3 note cards with the clear mount I {Heart} Hearts stamp set. Make a minimum $25 purchase that evening to get your workshop FREE and all my commissions will go towards Haitian Earthquake relief (Red Cross). I would like to make this a huge success, so I hope to see you there! Can't make it? E-mail me before February 19th with your fundraiser order and I'll donate those commissions to the Red Cross as well!

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!

It's here! My Digital Studio, the new digital scrapbooking software from Stampin' Up! Stamps, Designer Series Papers, embellishments, Stampin' Up! exclusive 48 colors, In Colors and much much more all in on easy to use digital scrapbooking program.

I've had this program for almost a month now (one big advantage of being a demo - you get to preorder these goodies :) ) and LOVE IT! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's so easy to use - I have yet to read any instructions. Much to busy digitally crafting :) Here is my first creation, took me 20 minutes!


That's my favorite thing about this software. It's completely intuitive. Using it just makes sense!

My next project was an album of our apple picking adventures. I've always liked the idea of scrapbooking but I just don't have the attention span ;) Luckily I can do this while watching tv or just hanging out in the family room after the kids have gone to bed. I made 8 pages in 1-1/2 hours - with the premade templates included in the software you just select your photos, drag them to the designated boxes on the page and voila - you have a perfectly crafted scrapbook page!




I know some people love the three-dimensional feel and that's the beauty of working with this software. After printing out your pages you can add your own embellishments and create a hybrid page!

More information on this great program is available on my Stampin' Up! Website. Have you been thinking of joining Stampin' Up! ? We now have a new Starter Kit available for those who want to focus on Digital! Get My Digital Studio as well as some traditional stamps, ink, cardstock and other accessories, as well as business supplies in your starter kit for only $239! See the Promotions section of my website for more information.

I'll be back soon with some more info on my upcoming Christmas classes, my last stampers group project and more My Digital Studio info.

Keep letting stamps (and digital stamps) bring out your creativity!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Dasher - Christmas in August!

I just love Dasher - the new single stamp for only $10.95. So I've bought that stamp - can't beat the price! - and plan on making some lovely Christmas cards using this stamp. We'll also be using this stamp for one of the cards at my Christmas Stamp-a-Stacks. Well, actually, I've already made a cute card with this stamp for a demo swap I joined. I thought Dasher had beautiful lines that would look great embossed in white on a darker cardstock. So of course I chose my new favorite color, Rich Razzleberry and paired it with Old Olive. Who says none of the new In Colors can be used for Christmas cards!?!?! And what goes great with Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry? Chocolate Chip of course :) So without further ado - Dasher...


I got the layout from an old Mojo Monday Challenge and I love the way the ribbon comes under and through the top image. The recipe for Dasher is:

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card stock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry, Cast-a-Spell DSP
Ink: Craft White, VersaMark
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Ticket Punch, Slit Punch, Paper Piercer, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads, Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Texture Plates, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder

But, if you love Dasher as much as me, you'll be even more excited to see the Dasher Decor Element - only available as a Hostess Benefit with a qualifying workshop of minimum $395 in sales. So be sure to book your Christmas workshop soon! Maybe make it a Stamp-a-Stack!

One thing that did make me a bit sad about the Dasher Decor Element though is that after Christmas I'd have to take it down. And then it would be gone. So, I bought some sturdy 3/16" foam board and a frame (without glass mat, just the wood frame) at the local craft store. Then I put Dasher on the foam board (I have the Chocolate Chip Dasher, but he's also available in Basic Black, Real Red, and Whisper White), mounted him in the frame and voila! A Dasher I can bring out Christmas after Christmas after Christmas! So there is a way to make your Decor Elements more permanent (or less permanent since they're not actually on your wall) than you probably thought! And once again, without further ado... Dasher #2 (though this guy is 17-5/8" x 13").


That's it for tonight and keep letting stamps (and Decor Elements) bring out your creativity!

Monday, July 20, 2009

3D Pop-Up Card Tutorial

I had so much positive feedback on the 3D pop-up card that I made for my Father-in-Law. However, everyone was rather disappointed that I didn't include a tutorial for this type of card. So last week I sat down, made this pop-up card, and made sure to document every step! This is my first tutorial, so hopefully it all makes sense! Any feedback is appreciated :) Have fun making your own pop-up card and be sure to show me the final result! Or join me at my 3D Birthday card class on Sunday September 13th to make 2 3D Pop-Up Cards and 2 Shadow Box Cards. Contact me for more details!

Step 1

Cut an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock to 8-1/2" x 8-1/2". I like to use textured cardstock, with the textured side facing 'out' so that you can see the texture when the card is folded up.


Step 2

Score your cardstock at 4-1/4" on each side, so you'll have your cardstock scored into four quadrants. You'll also need to score on quadrant in half diagonally. To do this, place your cardstock diagonally onto your Scor-Pal or paper cutter making sure that both corners are on the score line. Hold cardstock in place carefully and score the one quadrant diagonally - this is where the card will 'fold in'.



Step 3

Once all the scoring has been done, orient your cardstock with the diagonal score line in the top right quadrant. Then, cut the score line between the two bottom quadrants as shown.


Step 4

Fold your cardstock along all the score lines with a bone folder to ensure crisp folds. Once all the folds have been made, bring the bottom right quadrant over to the left and adhere to the bottom left quadrant and adhere with a strong adhesive (such as Stampin' Up!'s Sticky Strip). Your card will now stand up and you're ready to create your scene.


Step 5

Create your scene in the card. I used the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP to enhance the backgrounds of this card. I also used SU!'s Sticky Strip to adhere all pop-up elements to make sure that they stayed firmly on the card as these cards are often manipulated a lot ;)

You may be wondering how to create the 'pop-up' elements on the card. Cut a piece of cardstock, 1/4" or 1/2" depending on the width of your pop-up element, and fold into a square or rectangle. Adhere one side to your element, one side to your card (with Sticky Strip) as shown below. Make sure to take into account the folding of the card when including your pop out elements. Don't place them right on the bottom of the card as they'll be crushed during folding. Before adhering them, be sure to check that the card folds properly with the element in place.


Since the card will always tend to 'pop-up', I like to make a belly band to hold the whole thing together. This is easy to do. Use a 1-1/2" x 8-1/2" piece of cardstock, scored at 2" and 6-1/2". You'll be left with a 1/4" gap at the front of the belly band. This is easily hidden with a decorative elements, such as the flower on scalloped circle on my card.


The card recipe for this card includes:
Stamp Sets: Sock Monkey, Pun Fun, Family Phrases
Cardstock: Melon Mambo (textured and regular), Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Confetti White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write, Soft Suede Stampin' Write, Dusty Durango Stampin' Write, Crushed Curry Stampin' Write, Melon Mambo Stampin' Write, VersaMarker
Accessories: Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombo Mono Adhesive, Chunky Glitter Essentials, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Sticky Strip

That's it for today. Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Friday, July 3, 2009

New Catalog Champagne Punch Party

I'd like to invite you to my New Catalog Champagne Punch Party to be held on July 26th from 2-5 PM. It's 'Open House' style, so come anytime to enjoy

-A FREE make-and-take using new stamp sets, In Colors and accessories
-Door Prizes
-Exclusive specials including FREE 'Jingle All the Way (S)' Decor Element with a $50 purchase or FREE Ink Pad or 'Welcome (S)' Decor Element with every $75 purchase
-Viewing the new Idea Book and Catalog, as well as the new Definitely Decorative Brochure

-Class sign-ups and workshop booking specials

-A chance to purchase my retired stamp sets and some retired accessories
-And of course Champagne Punch and some yummy treats!

Please RSVP at 613-836-8844 or monkeypapercrafts@gmail.com. Can't make it? Give me a call or place your order by e-mail to qualify for these specials and to
book your Christmas season workshop! I'm looking forward to seeing you and be sure to bring a friend to book your FREE GIFT!

Stay tuned for more projects using the New In Colors, Stamp Sets and Accessories and keep letting stamps bring out
your creativity!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

New Catalog! And Happy Birthday Canada!

Today is a big day - not only is it Canada's Birthday, but today the new Stampin' Up! catalog goes live! There are so many exciting new products, stamp sets and accessories in this catalog! And not only that, but there are over 1000 items at $25 and under! How amazing is that!

For the first time, Stampin' Up! has an ALL CANADIAN stamp set! Glorious and Free is now available for only $31.95. Put your Canadian mark on all your projects. For the month of July, Stampin' Up! is also introducing the 'Deal of the Week'. Once a week, a new deal is revealed. This week, save 30% off the Scallop Edge Punch:
This very versatile punch is great for adding a little something to all your projects. But hurry, this deal is only available through July 5th. A new deal will be revealed on July 6th! View all the new items in the catalog in my Online Store and be sure to purchase your punch at 30% off today!

Enjoy browsing the new catalog and Happy Birthday Canada!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

New Catalog Open House!

Spring/Summer 2009 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog Open House

Join me at my Open House on
February 21st from 7-10 PM
at
115 Kittiwake Drive, Stittsville ON

At my Open House you'll enjoy
*A make-and-take project using a Brand New Stamp Set
*Door prizes, a new catalog Scavenger Hunt, and special offers
*Taking advantage of Sale-a-Bration, Stampin' Up!'s biggest promotion
*Seeing new accessories and stamp sets up close
*The opportunity to purchase my retired stamp sets at discounted prices
*Yummy munchies!

***Be sure to bring a friend I haven't met to receive a special gift!***

Please RSVP before February 18th
to
613-836-8844
or
monkeypapercrafts@gmail.com




Monday, February 2, 2009

Sale-A-Bration is Here!

Exciting times for Stampin' Up! customers, hostesses and recruits - Sale-a-bration is here! That means FREE stamps and accessories for everyone!


What does Sale-a-Bration offer?

*Customers get a FREE product (stamp set or accessory) out of the Sale-a-Bration brochure with every $60* in purchases - there NO LIMIT to how many FREE products you can get! Be sure to attend my Open House on February 21st to take advantage of Sale-a-Bration!

*Hostesses get a FREE product out of the Sale-a-Bration brochure for every $350* in workshop orders - in addition to regular hostess benefits! Contact me today at 613-836-8844 to book your workshop!

*New Demonstrators get 15% off the Starter Kit AND can choose any stamp set out of the Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog for FREE!

There are so many fabulous products you can get for only $60* which will earn you a FREE stamp set! Shop 24/7 in my Online Stampin' Up! Store! For the new stamper you can start stamping for just over $60:

-Animal Crackers Stamp Set, 113395, $23.95 (Not your style? I'd gladly help you choose one that better suits your needs!)
-3 Classic Ink Pads, $6.95x3 = $20.85
-In Color 8.5x11 Assorted Cardstock,111347, $9.50
-Whisper White 8.5x11 Cardstock, 100730, $8.95

Interested in the Big Shot? How's this for a deal? Purchase the Big Shot Starter Kit for $232.95 and get over $100 in additional FREE PRODUCTS:

-$20 in Hostess Benefits
-1 FREE Level I Hostess Stamp Set
-3 FREE Sale-a-Bration products (add on $7.05 in additional purchase to quality for an additional FREE Sale-a-Bration product!)

Contact me today for more information or to confirm your spot at my open house!

So let's all enjoy Sale-a-Bration and keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

*Before shipping and taxes

Sunday, August 31, 2008

The Sizzix Big Shot is Coming!

Exciting news everyone! Stampin' Up! has partnered with Sizzix and will be selling the Sizzix Big Shot Manual Die Cutting Machine starting on September 2! Cut through several layers of cardstock, thin fabric, felt, leather and even thin craft metal sheets! This is a non-electric machine so it's super portable, not electrical outlets needed!


Although I really wanted it, my business couldn't really afford it... Until DH told me he'd get it for me as an early 30th Birthday gift (my Birthday is in November). Did I tell you how wonderful my husband is? Well, at this moment, lol! So, my wonderful UPS guy will be bringing me my Big Shot THIS Thursday!!! Stampin' Up! has some exclusive dies for the Big Shot, as well as existing Sizzix dies. We currently have a great Starter Package that comes with EVERYTHING you need to get started, including dies and various cutting mats! See mor
e info in the Stampin' Up! Big Shot Brochure.

Want to try the Big Shot out? Join me on World Cardmaking Day, October 4th, from 3-5 PM to make a card using the Big Shot Die Cutting System. This is a free event and more details will come!

This week I also received all my goodies that I ordered from the new catalogue! New ribbon, new stamp sets, new Designer Series Paper! Love it ALL! I'm posting a few pics of cards I've made with the new sets and the Parisian Summer DP. I wish I had tim
e to make more... all in time I suppose :) Here are some pics, for the two Christmas cards I did two similar cards but with different techniques :)

'Flight of the Butterfly' and 'Heard from the Heart' Stamp sets, So Saffron Cardstock with Parisian Summer DP. This is a 2-step stampin' set and Stamp-a-ma-jig is VERY recommended to get a good result - you can see how similar in size the two butterfly stamps are and how important good alignment is. Of course there's some silver embossing too ;)


'Heritage Holiday' Stamp Set (2nd card also uses 'Many Merry Messages' set), Real Red Cardstock, DP from Level III Hostess Bundle (includes 4 stamps, DP and Rub-ons), Silver and Clear Rhinestone Brads, Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon on 1st card and Chocolate Chip Taffeta on 2nd card, Silver Embossing


Finally, the 'Snow Swirled' Stamp Set (by far my favorite), Baja Breeze and Kiwi Kiss/Ridinghood Red cardstock, Rhinestone Brads, Chunky Essentials Glitter, Versamark, Silver Embossing


That's it for today - keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Christmas 2008 Stamp-a-Stacks!

Hi everyone... I know it's only August but we've got to start thinking about Christmas!

Have you always wanted to make your own Christmas cards but have no idea where to start? Come to one of my Christmas 2008 Stamp-a-Stacks and make 12 or 20 beautiful cards using 4 different stamp sets – without having to buy 4 stamp sets! Everything is ready for you and all you have to do is have fun! How does it work?


1 – Pick a Stamp-a-Stack date below and register. Space is limited so register early! You will make and take 12 or 20 cards with envelopes. Cost of 12 card workshop is $18, cost of 20 card workshop is $25.


*September 28, 9 AM -12 PM, 20 card workshop
*October 10, 7-9 PM, 12 card workshop

*November 8, 2-5 PM, 20 card workshop
*November 8, 7-9 PM, 12 card workshop


*Please note: All workshops are prepaid. You must book two weeks in advance to ensure supplies are delivered in time for the workshop. All supplies will be available during the workshop. The cards pictured are samples of the type of cards we may make – these may not be the exact cards made at the Stamp-a-Stack.


2 – Come to my house on the chosen date with your favorite adhesive and scissors and make your cards.


*All cards are pre-cut and include ribbon, embellishments and use of ink pads, allowing you to make and take. To make additional cards you will be able to purchase supplies during the workshop. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery.


3 – Relax, enjoy yourself and when you’re done, you’ll have 12 or 20 handmade Christmas cards! It doesn’t get much better than that!


Do you have a few friends with whom you’d like to do a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack?
Contact me at monkeypapercrafts@gmail.com about a private workshop for you and your friends! This would also make a great Mother-Daughter workshop or workshop for your kids 8 and older! As a Stamp-a-Stack workshop hostess, receive a FREE gift from me, in addition to the wonderful Stampin’ Up! Hostess Benefits.




Monday, August 18, 2008

Open House Success and Retired Stamp Sets for Sale

Hi all! As usual it's been a while ;) I'd just much rather be stamping than blogging, lol! I just wanted to thank everyone for making my open house yesterday such a success! I think everyone is loving the new cattie as much as me. So many pretty things, so little time :) With the new catalog, I also have some retired stamp sets for sale. Hostess sets as well as stamp sets out of the catalog. The great thing about the hostess sets is that you couldn't purchase these before, so now is your chance to buy them! Take a look and let me know if you see something you like - monkeypapercrafts@gmail.com :) (Click on the photos to make them larger)

A Little Bit of Happiness Hostess Set - $15 - New and
Unmounted











Birthday Whimsy 2008 Sale-a-bration Set - $10 - New and Unmounted











Birthday Whimsy 2008 Sale-a-Bration Set - $7 - Mounted, in excellent condition















Lots of Thoughts 2008 Sale-a-Bration Set - $10 - Mounted, in excellent condition











Much Appreciated - $10 - Mounted in excellent condition, minor staining on one wood block















Tat's all for now! Stay tuned for information my Christmas Stamp-a-Stacks - Make your Christmas cards with MY stamp sets - more variety for less money! Make 12 cards for $18 or 20 cards for only $25!!! Please e-mail me for more info.

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity :)

Monica

Monday, August 11, 2008

It's Here and It's GREAT!!!


Woohoo!!! The new catalogue is UP! View it at this link here: http://www.stampinup.com/ca/documents/ca_fw_2008_sm.pdf

With the new catalogue come some AWESOME promotions! First the Never Before Seen Stamp Sets deal! From August 11-September 30, enjoy a 15% discount on select brand-new, die-cut stamp sets from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue--no additional purchase necessary! More can be found below or at this link: http://www.stampinup.com/ca/images/Never_Before_Seen_CA.pdf

Item # Page # Description Reular Price Promotional Price
111690 32 Snow Swirled $29.95 $25.46
111734 32 Folies de flocons (French Snow Swirled) $29.95 $25.46
111586 55 It's a Stretch $28.95 $24.61
111544 81 Putt Putt $29.95 $25.46
111626 91 Eastern Blooms $25.95 $22.06
111672 98 Pocket Silhouettes $22.95 $19.51
111726 98 Silhouettes florales (French Pocket Silhouettes) $22.95 $19.51
111710 101 Upsy Daisy $22.95 $19.51
111746 101 Pensées en fleurs (French Upsy Daisy) $22.95 $19.51
111556 109 Under the Stars $35.95 $30.56
111644 145 Heard from the Heart $26.95 $22.91
112875 145 Tout droit du coeur (French Heard from the Heart) $26.95 $22.91
111570 157 Contempo Alphabet $48.95 $22.91

Secondly, we have the AWESOME $119 Starter Kit promotion! Have you been thinking of joining SU! but you have so much stuff already that you don't want to buy the Standard Starter Kit? From August 11 through October 11, you can choose from three different Starter Kits* with three different focuses, depending on your interests!

Stamp-Focused Starter Kit

Fun & Fast Notes stamp set p. 67
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") p. 163
Bold Brights card stock assortment (8-1/2" x 11") p. 164
Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad p. 163
SNAIL Adhesive p. 191

Scrapbook-Focused Starter Kit

Contempo Alphabet stamp set p. 157
Simply Scrappin' Petal Party p. 175
Pixie Pink Classic Stampin' Pad p. 164

Home Décor-Focused Starter Kit


Inspired by Nature stamp set p. 100
Décor Elements Chocolate Classic Ff See Décor Elements brochure
Décor Elements Medium Chocolate Long Stem Silhouettes See Décor Elements brochure
Décor Elements Applicator See Décor Elements brochure
Kiwi Kiss Classic Stampin' Pad p. 162

*Each kit also includes the same business supplies that are found in the standard Starter Kit (the Home Décor-Focused Starter Kit also includes 25 Décor Elements brochures). While all items in the Starter Kits are recommended, a new demonstrator may substitute a like item of equal or lesser value.

If you want even more product, select our standard $249 Starter Kit during this promotion and get a stamp set of your choice from the catalogue for free--up to a $49.95 value!

Enjoy browsing the new catalogue and don't forget to RSVP soon for my August 17th Open House!

Let these NEW stamps bring out your creativity :)

Monica

Sunday, August 10, 2008

New Catalogue - TOMORROW!!!

The new catalogue will be out tomorrow and let me tell you - there's lots of good stuff in there!!! I made my wish list today and let's just say hubby was none too pleased - LOL! It will be on the Stampin' Up! website tomorrow at Noon Mountain Time, so 2 PM here. So exciting! Stay tuned for EXCITING promos for the new cattie.

***NEWS about my New Catalogue Open House***

It will still be on Sunday August 17th, but please note the time change - from 3-5 PM! Thanks! Please RSVP by August 15th to monkeypapercrafts@gmail.com. Be sure to bring a friend or two! Looking forward to seeing you there :)

Remember to keep letting stamps bring out your creativity :)

Monica

Monday, August 4, 2008

Lots Going on with SU and in General!

Well, you know it's summer when I haven't updated my blog in a month! Having way too much fun enjoying the outdoors with my daughter! Not that the weather has been cooperating very much but still, lots of outdoorsy fun to be had :)

Of course, SU! is getting ready for the new catalog release, which means I've been busy with the release! Want to see some new stamp sets, the GREAT new In Colors and some great promos? Check out the Catalog Sampler, available on-line as of TODAY!!! Be sure to check out the wonderful promos on the back cover of the sampler!


http://www.stampinup.com/ca/images/CA_cat_sampler.jpg

As a demonstrator I was fortunate enough to be able to order some stamp sets as well as the new inks/cardstock before the new catalog was released! Check out some of the cards I've made with my wonderful new supplies. It has been so much fun! I'm sure you're all looking forward to checking out the new goods!

Don't forget about my
2008/2009 Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog Open House, Sunday August 17th from 3-5 PM! Come anytime, check out some new stamp sets, new accessories, all the new In Colors and great Make and Takes! Of course there will be some wonderful snacks as well :) Some important things to remember for this open house (other than RSVP'ing by Friday August 15th)
*Bring a friend, receive a FREE gift
*Take advantage of a SPECIAL OFFERS for open house attendees only
*Great Door Prizes
*Get a chance to buy my retired stamp sets

Now is the time to book your fall workshop, too! I have quite a few dates available and Christmas is the best time of year to have one. But my openings are filling up FAST! Contact me by August 17th to book your workshop and receive a FREE new In Color Classic Stampin' Pad of your choice! Don't forget to take note of the LOWER MINIMUMS required for Hostess Benefits, shown in the sampler!

Now, for the samples... Note that the beautiful Hostess Sets can ONLY be earned by hosting a qualifying workshop ;)

'Dreams du Jour' Stamp Set, Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette Cardstock, Baja Breeze Ink, Scallop Edge Punch


'Dreams du Jour'
Stamp Set, Riding Hood Red, Baja Blue, and Kiwi Kiss Cardstock, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette and Kiwi Kiss Ink


'Sock Monkey' Stamp Set, Pacific Point and Riding Hood Red Cardstock, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, and Pacific Point Ink, Scallop Edge Punch


'Deer Friends' Level II Hostess Stamp Set and 'Heard from the Heart' Stamp Set, Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red Cardstock, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper, Riding Hood Ink, Scallop Edge Punch



'Window Dressing' Level III Hostess Stamp Set, Baja Breeze and Pink Pirouette Cardstock, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and Pink Pirouette Ink, Button Bouquet (Baja Breeze Flower Embossed Button)


'Window Dressing' Level III Hostess Stamp Set, Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss Cardstock, Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red Ink, Scallop Edge Punch


'Sock Monkey' Stamp Set and 'Heard from the Heart' Stamp Set, Baja Breeze and Pink Pirouette Cardstock, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, and Kiwi Kiss Ink.


Hope you enjoyed the samples and don't forget to book your workshop with me ASAP!

Happy Stamping :)

Monica