New Catty Survival Kits

So I wanted to post a picture of the little 'New Catty survival kits' that I made for my club girls. I thought they deserved a little something to get them through those first rough days (nights?) with that lovely book! I got the idea from some brilliant person out in the bloggosphere, and I really need to start keeping better track of where I get my inspiration. I'll work on that. Anyhoo, I made a little notebook for sketching ideas, a tiny pad of post it notes (with a teeny paper buckle!), and included some tea, some chocolate and a little highlighter. It was fun to make them! I used an assortment of the new In Colours, which are growing on me, Tall Tales designer paper and the Animal Stories stamp set. Hope you like them, ladies!

Here's big news - Stampin' Up! has offered a new, even more economical way to start your Stampin' business. From today until August 31st, 2009 you have two kits to choose from; the standard kit for $269.00 (with a limited time bonus add on!) and a Mini Starter Kit featuring all of the In-Color Ink Pads and Cardstock. All this and your Business Supplies for only $105.00

This offer is good until August 31, 2009.

The In Color-Kit includes:

For All You Do stamp set $38.95 Value

Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad $7.95

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad $7.95

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad $7.95

Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad $7.95

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad $7.95

Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad $7.95

Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $9.95

In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $10.50

Recruits who join Stampin' Up! by purchasing the Mini Starter Kit are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit. This includes but is not limited to the Extra 10 Percent Instant Income offer, Stampin' Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit.

Recruits who purchase the Mini Starter Kit will receive the same business supplies as those who order the standard Starter Kit. (The catalogs are worth $80 Retail)

• The standard Starter Kit ($269) will continue to be available during this promotional period.
• During the promotional period there will also be a standard Starter Kit incentive for new recruits who choose the standard Starter Kit instead of the Mini Starter Kit; new recruits who choose the standard Starter Kit will receive the following, along with the standard Starter Kit supplies:
• • All six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads
  • One pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")

  Incentive items have a $58.20 value and are not substitutable.

  Mini Starter Kit and standard Starter Kit incentive deadlines:

• So if you’ve ever thought you’d like to start you own business or simply sign up just for the discount now is the time. Contact me for details about how you can get started.

June club and workshop projects

Finally posting last month's embossing techniques workshop projects. The first one is a 3x3" card made using the God's Beauty level 1 Hostess set from the last catty, Old Olive and Whisper White cardstock, Vellum, glue dots, fine paper snips, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip Classic ink and Staz On black ink, black embossing powder and Stampin' Write markers (Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango - HOORAY for in-colour markers!!!).

The next one is made using dry embossing with a stylus and Classy Brass template, plus heat embossing with Iridescent Ice embossing powder. I used the Sprinkles, Warm Words and Priceless stamp sets, Rose Red cardstock, Designer paper (from the Sweet Always paper pack) and Classic ink, Whisper White cardstock, Versa Mark ink, the eyelet border punch, vellum, and Whisper White 1/4" gros grain ribbon. It's soooooo sweet I can hardly stand it, but it's a very fun little girl's birthday or shower card. I showed the tiny Fork Bow technique, which I just love, found HERE...

And last, the 30 second card! Well, not really, but almost!! I used the Manhattan Flower embossing folder (a Stampin' Up! exclusive) and ran through a bit of Whisper White cardstock. Wrapped some Certainly Celery ribbon around it (a freebie from Sale-a-bration - yay for free ribbon!!!), stamped a sentiment using the Oval All stamp set and, you guessed it, Certainly Celery classic ink, which I punched out and popped up on a scalloped oval of what kind of cardstock?? Stick the whole thing to a (shock!) Certainly Celery card base and Voila, you're late for the wedding but at least you have a card and can hit the bank machine on the way there!!

Deal of the Week: Big Shot Doctor's Bag

You'll feel like a big shot carrying around the Big Shot Doctor's bag! July 6-12, get the Big Shot Doctor's Bag for $77.99.
That's 25% off the regular price of $103.9.
I LOVE my doctor's bag! Boy it would have
been nice to get it at this price though!

Here are a couple of pictures of the last Hostess gift I gave. It's a bunch of different cards made with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder for the Big shot. I wanted to keep them pretty simple, just show off some of the (endless!) combinations one could come up with. I used three of the sentiments from the Oval All set (the fourth was used on a card we made in class!). I also used the now retired (sniff sniff) Baja Blue cardstock, Urban Oasis designer paper, Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey and Bashful blue cardstock as well as the coordinating ribbons.

I know it's a bad picture, I'm having a real hard time getting used to my new 'snapshot' camera. I sure hope Nikon comes through for me with my beloved D40.

By the way, I was inspired by the many mini magazine holder card holders I've seen on blogs and at Splitcoast. In fact I made one before I realized they were so small. So, I set out to make one that holds regular sized cards. I must be getting better at this, because it wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. I used a 12x12 sheet of cardstock, and if I ever acquire the technical skills I will post the pattern.

Have a great weekend!

My little four-leaf clover; July 3rd

Here's a very cute picture of Ani - in her sparkly gold dress and crown (which she never leaves the house without anymore - in fact when admired, she will often volunteer the statement "No, it's not my birthday, I just like to look good!" ... but I digress...)

and her FOUR LEAF CLOVER collection.

Now, since I took this picture she's found a couple more - we're up to 15 'good ones' (you can see 12 in this picture) and 25 over all since May. Seriously, 25 four leaf clovers! How many have YOU found in your lifetime? Me? One. She has found them all over the city - on boulevards, in school yards, municipal parks and medians... she can just glance down at the ground and TA DA! It's really an amazing talent.

What I did today

I thought I'd try making a couple of little purses, in preparation for my goodies (arriving Monday) that I'll use to make Ani's bday party invitations. So, I made these little purse cards. They're flat (not boxes like I thought I'd do) and make with almost entirely retired product - oh MAN am I going to miss that Rockabilly paper. If you have any extra kicking around... Anyway, I used Rockabilly designer paper, Riding Hood Red cardstock and black gros grain ribbon plus some velcro and a Rhinestone brad. They really need some embellishment on the front - especially the plain one, but I'm leaving it in anticipation of 'Just Jawin' Inside I used the 'Humor in High Heels' stamp set.

I think this will be my all-time most used birthday set, if only because of the sentiment - "I didn't forget your birthday, I'm just fashionably late." I've come to the conclusion that I should just stop making regular birthday cards and stick with belated birthdays only. Sigh.

Happy stampin'!

July is a pretty exciting month at Stampin' Up! There will be a deal of the week EACH week in July - starting with the Scallop Edge Punch at 30% off. Just $15.99 until July 5th.

Click the picture for more details and more July specials.

I got a new camera, and now that I *think* I've figured out how to use it, I shall be posting projects again. Whew!

cheers!

Last Chance lists - updated!

Check here for the alphabetical listings. Some French stamps have been added and a few stamp sets have been removed.

For the updated Last Chance stamps and accessories, check here.

My sneak peek order should arrive tomorrow and I'm going CRAZY waiting!! I'm so excited about seeing the new catalogue, and the new In Colours in person.

I STILL don't have a camera, but have high hopes of getting one tomorrow. I'm looking forward to posting the projects from June workshops and sneak peeks from my upcoming embossing workshops.

Have a happy day all!

Last Chance lists are up!

Here they are, by page number, the Last Chance Stamp sets from the 2009 Spring/Summer Stampin' Up! Catty.

26 Happy Heart Day
28 Pinch Proof
30 Blooming With Love
30 Thoughts Of Father
31 Free & The Brave, The
31 Independence Day
32 Snow Burst
33 Holidays & Wishes
35 Heritage Holiday
38 Big Birthday Candle
40 Big Bold Birthday
41 Time to Party
42 Boatloads Of Love
46 Great Grads
49 Little Birdie Told Me, A
50 If The Halo Fits
56 God Is Love
59 Always in My Thoughts
60 To Have and to Hold
67 Zoofari
70 Life’s a Breeze
7q1 Perfect Princess
72 Prehistoric Pals
73 Wild About You
84 Heartfelt Thanks
85 Acuarelas maravillosas
85 Wonderful Watercolors
86 Kindred Spirits
87 Organic Outlines
88 Doodle This
93 Pretty Amazing
96 Best Kind of Friend
96 Morning Soft
97 Seaside
98 Stitched Exotics
108 Frames with a Flourish
108 Seeing Spots
117 Illuminations
118 Beautiful Borders
120 Sweet Celebrations
122 Big Flowers
125 All Scallops
126 Sweet Sampler
128 Classic Stripes
129 Baroque
132 Absolutely Fabulous
133 Outlined for Fun
134 Hugs & Wishes
135 Elegant Cheer
136 Sweet Serendipity
137 Many Happy Returns
138 It’s a Sign
139 One Smart Cookie
140 In Good Form
140 Just B
141 Lovely Labels
144 Short Order Alphabet
144 Short Order Numbers
144 Ticker Tape Alphabet
145 Big Deal Alphabet
145 Big Deal Numbers
146 ABC Alphabet Lower
146 ABC Alphabet Upper
146 ABC Images
146 Simple Serif Mini
148 Alphabet & Numbers
149 Best Bee Four-Line
149 Best Bee Three-Line
149 Classic Four-Line
149 Classic One-Line
149 Classic Three-Line
149 Classic Two-Line
149 Contemporary Four-Line
149 Contemporary One-Line
149 Contemporary Three-Line
149 Contemporary Two-Line
149 Decorative Design
149 Elegant Flower Four-Line
149 Elegant Flower Three-Line
149 Large Text-Only Simple
149 Serif One-Line
149 Large Text-Only Simple
149 Serif Two-Line
208 Tag It
208 Beautiful Baby
208 Birthday Wish
208 Celebrations
208 Flowers in Silhouette
208 Forever
208 Fun Flowers
208 Glad Friends
209 Say It with Scallops
(Retiring from Dormant List-not in current catalog but available until June 30th)
Dormat Felices fiestas
Happiness Is a Journey
Something New to Love
Wonderful You
Bella Blossoms
Holiday Trinkets
In Everything Give Thanks
Tableau of Terror
To You & Yours

Last Chance Accessories AND stamps - click here to go to my website and follow the links

oh me, oh my, I think I'm gonna die..

..oh meee, oh my, I think I'm gonna die!

If you're a fan of East Coast music you should now have an earworm for the day!

I got back from the Crafter's garage sale a few hours ago, and after several hours of laying motionless on the couch, a dinner of pad thai GRACIOUSLY picked up by my dh and a few more hours lying on the couch watching the kids play with balloons and watching Kung Fu Panda - I feel as if the bus that hit me was NOT jet-powered straight from hell like it seemed a few hours ago.

I wonder why I feel like lead after events like this. School events, Scrapbook days, craft sales - you'd think I'd be getting used to them. But it seems like they place a huge strain on me physically. I'm actually old enough to start wondering if this is a problem in the long run. I mean, sure I feel like death now, and I'll be sore tomorrow, but why? There was no incredible physical exertion - and I don't feel this way after a hard day in the garden - even the first one of the year. Yet I feel like lead. Lead that hurts. Hmmmmm.... I'll have to look it up.

I have to get more information because I can't start planning another big event till I know if they're ACTUALLY going to kill me, or just make me wish I were dead.

Enqiring minds!

National Scrapbook Day activities at Bouquet of Pixels

Sadly, I won't be much a part of these festivities, but that shouldn't stop YOU from having some fun! Have a blast, girls, and I'll join you when I can!

So what do you think of these GORGEOUS pictures taken my my sister? Pretty cool eh? Who knew a kid could look so cute at an air-hockey table in a McD's playland!

This is another page I did using the charity collab, "For The Kids" (see a couple of posts down for the links) and some word art by Inkin' Creations from BOP. Very cool stuff, Erika!

....and here are the projects from my first SU! workshop

Here it is, finally, the projects we made at my very first Stampin' Up! workshop. I *tried* to keep it simple, but really this is the advanced class, so we kind of went to town! I had so much fun, even though I was really nervous. I don't explain things well, especially out loud... really makes ya' wonder why I took this job, doesn't it? Hmmm....

My latest digi page using For The Kids

So this is my first layout using For The Kids from Bouquet of Pixels. I made it a few days ago but I'm really not finding a lot of time for uploading and blogging these days. There's so much going on my my 'real' life and I'm really trying to stay 'present' with it all, not let myself procrastinate the big stuff. Well the little stuff is suffering a bit. Anyway, blah blah blah, here are some cute pix of R building a pillow tower and an adorable kit with proceeds going to a good cause!