The Stamper

Gift Making Extravaganza

Mark your calendars for November 6th and 7th, I am having my 2nd annual Gift Making Extravaganza event.  For those of you who came last year you know what a great success it was and by request I am planning another one. 

On Friday, November 6th from 10am to 10pm and then Saturday from 10am to 10pm my home will be open for you to come and go and make as many of each project as you want and have requested I prepare for you.  The cost is $10.00 plus supply fees for each project and they will vary in supply costs.  I hope to have an invitation email out to each of you next week but wanted to preview one of the projects that we will be making in November.

This is a spinning calendar.  It is made with the new wood blocks that comes out in the mini catalog tomorrow.  It is made to spin so you can always see the months you need. I know I love this design because I can use it to see when something happened last month or so and can also see the months ahead in one easy glance. 

Each month is decorated with a seasonal image.  This calendar is easy to make and will be the perfect gift for anyone on your Christmas list. This gift is also a wonderful birthday gift and can be given any time of the year so plan to come and make a few extra for those special people in your life.

Birthday Scrappin'

Birthdays are a time that I take lots of pictures and then I don't know what to do with them after I get them developed.  I liked this layout because it was perfect to put a row of smaller photos of my daughter opening her gifts in a row so I will get to enjoy her expressions always and yet they did not take up the whole page. 

I also try to always take a group photo at birthday parties so we will remember who came.  It is a good idea to also jot down their names when you get the picture developed or even make their names a part of the file name when you file your digital images because you think you will remember who they are but if you are like me you will not.  I have pictures of my older daughters friends and I could drive you to their house but I can't remember their names and my daughter can't either.  I few notes now saves time later when you are ready to scrap book the story. 

The background on this page is a direct to paper technique and I used images from the On a Pedestal Stampin' Up! stamp set and the arrows are die cut using the Look Here die from Stampin' Up!

Halloween Hands On Class projects

What fun I had making this next month's Hands On projects.  I decided to do a Halloween Hands On since Halloween is a fun holiday to decorate for.  I adapted a swag from Shelli Gardner's presentation at convention.  (Shelli is the founders/owner of Stampin' Up!) My swag says Spooky and will look great hanging in a window or along a table at any Halloween party.  We will also be making a Jiffy Pop gift with the new pumpkin faces in the Home Decor catalog.  It is a cute gift but also looks create hanging from a hook if you find you don't want to give it away.  I will be showing you the new sweet cups that are coming out in the new mini catalog that is available September 1st and we will be making a Halloween card from a great layout that works with so many stamp sets. 

Remember to RSVP and join me Friday, September 11 at 10am or 7:30pm.  Cost for the class is just $15.00 and all the supplies will be cut and ready for you to create these great projects.

Just for Kids special Extreme Elements

The special Stampin' Up! has going for the month of August features stamp sets found in the Growing Up! section of the 2009-2010 catalog.  Some of these stamps sets are: the family sets, Lots of Bots, Under the Stars, Animal Stories, Bugs and Kisses, the teacher pet stamp set, the new pocket and you rock as well as all the sports stamps sets and the baby stamps.

When you spend $35.00 on stamps you get to choose one of the 3 button sets for free.  A $7.95 value.  I thought I would share some samples of the Extreme Elements stamp set that I was sold on until I saw these great samples and other samples made with it at convention.  I must admit most of the issue with this stamp set was I just saw the Beware pirates set that shares a page with this set and so I did not really notice it. 

The surfer is also apart of the Growing Up special and these shadow stamps work great with the Extreme Elements stamp set.  Here are some other samples.

This last card uses the Extreme stamp set with just a greeting.  It is a great set for collage stamping that can be perfect for teenagers or kids but also can be more elegant depending on how you stamp it. 

Hodgepodge Hardware Jewelry

One of the things I love about the supplies we use for card making and scrap booking is they are so versatile and can be used to create a variety of gifts. 

This necklace was made for me by my up line in Stampin' Up! Kathy, and she gave it to me as a gift at convention.  It is created using the hardware in a different way. 

She used two Raised Dot Designer holders with stamped images and glued them together so it is double sided.  She attached a flower charm at the bottom and rhinestone into the layers of crystal effects that she filled in the holder with.

I saw these done with all the different Designer Holders that come in the hardware kits.  What a perfect gift to make someone you love.

Of course the packaging was as great as the gift and she used the matchbox die and cut the bottom from Basic Black CS and the top from the new Bride specialty papers found on page 158. 

Wood sheets Wows!

How many of you noticed the new Wood Sheets item# 16309 Texture Cuts found on page 158 of the new idea book and catalog?  I know when I went through the catalog I was so excited to purchase these and see how they work.  I was even more impressed when I received the sheets and started playing with them.  They are thin sheets of wood that have a paper backing to support the wood sheet and prevent them from breaking or chipping.  Here are a few ideas you can do with the new wood sheets. 

Big Shot die boxes:  you can die cut these sheets and make your own wood boxes and cards.

Stamp directly on the wood sheets with either classic inks or craft inks. 

You can watercolor stamped images on the wood sheets with watercolor pencils or classic inks.  Just be careful to use minimal amounts of water. 

You can punch out shapes with either our regular punches or any dies from the Big Shot line and attach them to a card.  Or even punch easily through the sheet to add accents like eyelets or brads.

But my favorite thing I tried and loved was using the Big Shot and the impression folders I created an impressed image into the wood and then added a little chalk for color.  

I would love to see what you create with these new wood sheets. 

To order this item you can go to my web site or email me with an order. 

Consider joining my stamping family

Coming home from convention and looking at the pictures I take at these events always makes me so grateful that I am a part of Stampin' Up!  This photo was taken at leadership this past year and we enjoyed stamping and visiting together. 

Stampin' Up! has a great special for anyone who has ever considered earning a little extra income and being a part of something that lifts your spirits and supports you.  This special is $85.00 and we have until August 31st to take advantage of it. 

For the $85.00 you will get a stamp set value $28.95 they recommend All you can do and the six new in-color ink pads, Whisper White CS and a pack of the in-colors card-stock plus all the business supplies you need to get started in your new business.  When you join Stampin' Up! you can also take advantage of 30% discount on your first order and all other benefits of being a demonstrator. 

You also will be able to attend my group training meetings and weekend of stamping and fun.  Call me or join on line at wendythestamper.stampinup.net under join the company.  Code is newstarz. 

You can also join and choose the regular starter kit and you will receive $43.85 worth of bonus product for FREE!   Join my stamping family today.

Convention Fancy Favor box

This is the final project we made at my STARZ meeting at convention.  Tammy Wilson, designed this little box and notes cards using the new Fancy Favor box and the new in-color cardstock and Designer Series paper. 

It was a fast project that would make a great gift for anyone. I love the new Razzleberry color and how cheerful the bright color makes this project.  She added a matching ribbon by setting jumbo brads into the box and tying a knot in each end of the ribbon. 

 The note cards could be stamped with different sayings to meet anyone's needs. 

 Here is a pictures of all of those who attended my STARZ meeting, it was a great group of creative women.  Thanks to all of those who helped make the night a success!

"You" mini scrapbook album

Before convention I was looking through the new 2009-2010 catalog and my eye was caught by the file folders and gusseted envelopes found on page 169.  As I looked at them I had an idea pop into my head to make a mini scrapbook album using these new products. 

This is the scrapbook I came up with and taught to my down line at our convention meeting.  I used the gusseted envelopes and decorated the outside with ribbon and butterfly accents (which are so easy to cut out, now we have a punch that does the work for us).  I die cut the letter "you" and added flower accents. 

I cut the file folders into thirds and layered them, punched a couple of holes and tied them all together in book form.  I then had a mini album. 

I stamped or decorated each page with butterfly accents and even folded a page in half to create a pocket perfect for journaling.  I added pictures of the daughter who just turned 15 and some journaling and I had a great mini album that was not too hard to make. 

It works with all the file folders but each one will need the cut edges corner rounded and the 1/2 tabs cut off.  I also added punched tabs to add character and to help you flip the pages. 

Just for Kids and the kid in you!

Stampin' Up! is celebrating kids! During August and September they have two great deals for the young and the young at heart. 

They have designed a Decor Elements Growth Chart in Old Olive, Taken with Teal and Chocolate Chip I know you will love.  It is easy to apply to your walls especially since they include the applicator tool with your purchase.  The growth chart is item #117519 and is $24.95.  It is available now until September. 

Stampin' Up! is also giving free Designer Buttons a $7.95 value when you choose $35.00 worth of stamp sets from the Growing Up! section of the 2009-1010 Idea Book and Catalog (pages 74-90) There are three button choices and no limit on the number of buttons you can earn free, you get one package for each $35.00 you spend.  The button choices are Playground, Sherbert and Button Latte.  To view flyer and full Decor Elements Growth Chart picture select here. 

You can order on-line at my SU! web site: http://wendythestamper.stampinup.net  or email me your order and I will be happy to order it for you. 

Stampin' Up!'s medallion stamp set

 We were told at convention that Stampin' Up!'s medallion stamp set is the most popular stamp set in the new catalog right now.  It is found on page 133 in the background stamps section. 

It can be used as a background or you can use it as a main image.  I was surprised at how many samples and exchange cards I saw and swapped that used this stamp.  I will be putting it on my wish list to get soon. 

I loved this green card that used it as a background and then stamped it twice punching the center out with the 1 3/4 punch and layering in on the main image. 

The blue and pink cards show how just changing the colors changes the feel of the card.

This final card shows how elegant it can be made with some silver embossing and filigree brads accents.  This card was a gift for me from my down line Andrea and her mom.  The best part of convention is spending time with my down line and being a part of their lives.

If you want to come to convention with me next year consider joining the company this month and taking advantage of the $85.00 mini starter kit and be a part of my group and the fun we have.

Big Shot Butterfly Bag

I am back home from convention and so excited about all the fun new things coming out in the mini catalog next month.  We have not only a great large catalog we are working with this month but we have a even better mini catalog.  If you want to get in on all the excitement consider calling me and scheduling a workshop where I can show you and your friends some of the new items.

At convention we often exchange gifts and this butterfly bag was made my Sue Patterson, one of my down line and I just loved it.  I carried it around convention and people kept stopping me to see my bag.  It was made with by adhering die cut butterflies to a jean bag.  Sue, punched holes and added jumbo eyelets to thread a ribbon though for the final touches. 

Stampin' Up! Big Shot and Circle Circus

I guess you could have said the theme for the projects at my convention meeting was the stamp set Circle Circus.  Everyone must love it as much as I do. 

This beautiful card was created by Michele, she was not able to come to the meeting but she was kind enough to create a card for us all to make.  The card base in the new Rich Razzleberry CS stamped with the bubble image over and over again.  We then cut a Big Shot Top Note out of Old Olive CS and did a direct to paper technique and cut a third of it off and glued it to the card and then tied the top note piece together and hung a tag from it.  The flowers are Die Cut using the Big Shot and the center of the flower is one of the circle circus stamps stamped in black and water colored.  There is a final accent image that was stamped and cut in half and glued to the top note. 

This card takes a little more effort but I think the effort was worth it.

Another Convention meeting card

I told you I would share the convention meeting projects with you this week. 

This card was created by my talented down line Elizabeth.  She also used Stampin' Up! circle circus stamp set and the new Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper.  Her colors were Soft Suede (a terrific new color) and Crushed Curry.  The words are punched using the new Modern Label punch. 

She grouped the stamp images together and finished them off with a punched flower and Rhinestone Clear Brad.

The pattern paper is a perfect match for this card and I love that all the stamp images in the circle circus stamp set can be punched with one of our punches so there is never an imperfect image.

Card from Convention Meeting

Tonight is my convention meeting and my down line are the best.  They have help create the projects for tonight and I think they are great projects. 

This card was created by Monika, she used the scoring blade to create a grid and then stamped an image from Stampin' Up'! circle circus stamp set.  The colors are the new in color Soft Suede with More Mustard accent color and the images are stamped on Very Vanilla. The card is finished with Soft Suede ribbon and the thank you stamp which can be found on the dormant list. 

Getting together with my girls always brings me joy and I can't wait to see everyone in a few hours.

Embossing Folder Elegant Bouquet

Each year I try to make my down line a little gift for attending convention and this year I decided to do this little purse that I made a few months ago for a meeting.  This time I used a roller to create texture on the purse flap and the top note bottom piece was embossed with the new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Elegant Bouquet.  I sponged over the texture to make it stand out.  The flower is from Stampin' Up! Enjoy Every Moment stamp set and the center of the flower is a silver jumbo brad that has a 1/2 inch circle punched designer paper glued to the top of it.  I added the crushed curry ribbon for handles. 

I hope they like these little gifts, I filled them with different accessories so each one is a surprise.

Stampin' Up! Autumn Days exchange card

Everyone year one of the fun things about convention is the sharing of ideas with fellow demonstrators.  One way we do this is by exchanging cards.  I make up 50 or so and exchange with 50 people, I come home with 50 ideas and samples in all different styles to show my customers.  We also exchange cards at meetings for the same reason. 

This is my exchange card for my convention meeting.  It is made with the new Movers & Shapers Big Shot die and the magnetic Movers and Shapers punched windows and Stampin Up!'s Autumn Days stamp set. The die has a metal plate so you can position your die anywhere on your card front and it will cut it out.  You can cut out images that match our punches.  Curly Label, Scallop oval, Large star, Full Heart.  I used the Scallop Oval one on this card.  I love that the punch is just smaller to create a great layer.