New product alert!

Stampin' Up! has released a very cool new tool called the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate! You can now make envelopes to go along with your beautiful cards :-)

Check out this video for some really cool instructions:

There are several ways for you to pick up your new plate:

The Phone: Call me and place your order over the phone!

Online store: Where you can shop for fun items from the comfort of your home. 

Earn it FREE: Host a qualifying workshop and you can earn this (and many others cool products for FREE!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget that Sale-A-Bration runs through March 31st so don't miss out!

Stressed? Well Distress yourself with a kit!

How's that for a catching title :-) I think this is a great kit for a great price. I have played with it and it is so easy to use! Check down further in the post for a cute sample!

Distressing Essentials Kit – Order #118762 Cost: $19.95

Stampin’ Up has just announced that vintage Stampin ink refills for the distressed ink Stampin spots are now available as a write in item on your order.

• 125731 Tea Stain Vintage Stampin’ Ink refill $4.95 US/$5.95 CA
• 125732 Charcoal Vintage Stampin’ Ink refill $4.95 US/$5.95 CA
• 125733 Mahogany Vintage Stampin’ Ink refill $4.95 US/$5.95 CA
• 125734 Navy Blue Vintage Stampin’ Ink refill $4.95 US/$5.95 CA

Tips on re-inking a distress ink spot:

Re-inking a Vintage Ink Spot is different than re-inking a Classic Stampin’ Pad or Spot. To create a distressed, aged appearance, a Vintage Ink Spot should be drier than a Classic Stampin’ Pad. When it’s too dry–that is, the ink applies more lightly than you like on your projects–you should re-ink the Spot. To re-ink your Vintage Ink Spot, do the following:

1. Using the eyedropper in the Vintage Ink Refill, apply ink one drop at a time in equal, thin stripes on the pad. Do not saturate the pad; it needs to be drier than a Classic Stampin’ Pad. Let the ink settle into the pad for a few minutes before continuing.
2. Using the edge of a credit card, drag the ink diagonally across the pad from corner to corner. This will ensure that the ink is heavier in some places than others, which is necessary to create a distressed appearance.
3. Blot lightly with a paper towel to remove excess ink.

New to the Distressing Essentials Kit or Distressing in general? Check out these cute houses! I painted them and then ran the Distressing ink on top to add the weathered look! To see more click HERE to visit the original post.

If you need the kit or just want the refills both are available through my online store (see link on the left side of my blog) OR If you would like to host a workshop using this technique I would be happy to help just give me a call or email me! We have some fantastic promotions running this month so don't miss out.

Happy Creating!!!
~Melissa

What is so simple it is FREE?

Well during the month of October when you purchase two Simple Sent card kits you will receive a coordinating stamp set for FREE! This set is so great for any stamper at any stage of skill. You can quickly put together cards that will your recipients will love. There are also ways to turn these cards into boxes & fill them with special treats!

Go to my online store today to take advantage of this offer! It is only valid from October 1^st – 31^st
Happy Creating!!!
~Melissa

Halloween is just around the corner!

Ok, yes it really is only September but the leaves are changing color and falling off the trees, the air is cool, & Halloween is asking to come out and play! This new project seems to be all the rage right now. Although this technique has been around for a very long time, it seems it is making a huge comeback. I have seen these beautiful rosette wreaths in all sorts of styles, in fact I will be hosting a class for a fall wreath (see the top, right hand side to register) to get you into the mood of season changes!  
 

Here is this super cute & fun Halloween project. I love it!!!

Supplies Used:
122351 Frightful Sight DSP
119685 Cherry Cobbler Paper
105117 Pumpkin Pie paper
119686 Early Espresso Paper
121045 Basic Black paper
119873 3/4" circle punch
119868 1" circle punch
123124 Early Espresso\White Bakers Twine
117273 Antique Brads
122334 Simple Scored Board
Metal Wreath Base
Skulls & Spiders
Hot Glue Gun

1. Cut various strips of DSP and Card Stock at 1"x12", 1 1/2"x12", and 2"x12"
2. Score each piece at 1/4"
3. fold accordion style (make sure you start with folding one strip up and the other strip starts down)
4. Use sticky strip to glue the two together
5. Push the rosette down and squish (like my technical term) the rosette together to form a circle. 
6. Use your glue gun to hold the rosette together
7. Stack them around the frame
8. Glue all pieces together!

If you are interested in learning how to make this AWESOME project please register for my fall wreath class.

Happy Creating!!!

~Melissa

Christmas in September!

We are hosting our annual Stamp Camp in October and I wanted to come up with some fun crafts that we can display. Sometimes we get so focused on Holiday cards that we forget to add some fun. So yes I know it is only September but I couldn't resist using this fun stamp set! This technique is so impressive but so easy!

Supplies Needed:

111648 Holiday Line up Stamp Set 

10140 Jet Balck StazOn Ink Pad

119702 Brights Stampin Write Markers

124325 Bashful Blue 5/8" Satin Ribbon

124104 Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon

100005 Heat Embossing Gun

White Tissue Paper

Wax Paper

Candles

Instructions:
1)      Stamp your image using Black Stazon Ink onto Tissue Paper
2)      Color in the image using Stampin Write Makers.
3)      Cut the image out of the tissue paper
4)      Lay the stamped image onto the candle
5)      Cut out a piece of wax paper longer then the candle
6)      Wrap the Wax paper around the candle, use the extra as a "handle"
7)      Heat emboss the image onto the candle. Make sure you don't hold the embossing gun in one place to long otherwise you melt the candle to much. You want to just melt the a small amount to cover the tissue paper.
8)      Cut your ribbon and tie around the bottom

That's it! How great is it to give a gift that looks like you spent a ton of time on, but you really didn't!
As a special bonus, I will be giving away a set of these to every hostess during the month of October. So call today and schedule your show!

Don't forget to register for Stamp Camp. The link is to the left of this post. Seats are first come first serve so reserve now to guarantee your spot.

Happy Creating!!!
~Melissa

Seeking New Business...

I am always interested in finding new ways to reach new stampers and paper crafters. On a message board that I frequent a suggestion came up that you should pass out "x" number of cards in a set period of time. For example, make 15 cards and in 48 hours pass one card out everywhere you shop or visit. Here were some suggestions for passing the cards out; when handing your money to the cashier at Starbucks, hand them the card as well, when dropping off your library books go inside and hand one or two to the librarians working the desk, etc.

So I am always up for a challenge and super excited to spread my love of this craft so here is what I created.

This is a full card with a sentiment inside. It has a little bling and several techniques that I could teach the beginner but could customize to the advanced crafter. I attached my business card in there attached to a post-it note asking them to call or email me to host a workshop or just to join me for a fun night of crafting at a club or stamp-a-stack.

I am really putting a lot of energy into drumming up new business and I know how strong the power of thought is so, if I believe it, it will happen. Who knows maybe you are reading this now and will call me :-) One can hope!

Happy Creating!!!

~Melissa

My Top 10 Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog Favorites

Yup, it's that time of year, kids are heading back to school, summer is just about to wrap up, and we start planning our holidays! I can say that I am both happy and sad at the same time. I love, love, love the summer. I would rather be too hot than too cold. It is a tad funny that I live in the Seattle area because we are not known for our heat :-) In fact just the opposite and this summer was the summer that wasn't any different or at least until now. We are now on tap to start breaking temperature records!!

I am looking forward to Fall and Winter this year for so many reasons: Snowboarding with my son, sister, & hopefully my nephew, a trip up to the great north, Halloween in general, Christmas visits with family I barely get to see, and last but definitely not least our new Holiday Mini Catalog!!! It has really put me in the holiday mood!

I challenged myself a few posts ago to pick my favorites from the 2011-2012 Big Idea book and catalog so I am doing it with this mini as well. Who would have thought that this little book would have so many things I want! This is the first catalog that I truly want everything in it.

Here they are:
10. Stampin Card Keeper 124107 $8.95.
I now have a box that I can decorate anyway I want. It even has divider tabs to separate the cards.

9.  It's a Wrap Holidays 122772 $19.95
So much fun to wrap little Hershey Nuggets in or make a great tag! I love this set.

8. 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler 124105 Early Espresso 124104 $7.95 each
I am a ribbon junkie and when I saw this ribbon I literally yelled Yippee :-) It is so wonderful and looks stunning on cards!

7. Frostwood Lodge DSP  124002 $10.95
Nothing says Holidays like this set!!! I love it. I can't wait to make bows, cards, and even ornaments with it!

6. Stitched Stockings builder punch 124095 $16.95
Who doesn't love a coordinating punch? This set is so versatile, Christmas stockings, baby booties, witches feet and more!

5. Stitched Stockings Stamp Set 123784 $19.95
Christmas stockings, a child's socks, even a rocking horse! Yup all of those can be created with this set!

4. 25 & Counting 123794 $32.95
Advent calendars never go out of style and this stamp set is the perfect set to help us make a new one each year. It is also great for cards, tags, or a fun December Calendar.

3. Halloween Creeps 123829 $16.95
I love this set because it makes me smile every time I see it. I am thinking of making a frame for my bathroom and leaving it up all year long so every time I see I will be quaranteed a smile!

2. Christmas Lodge 123769 $25.95
WOW is all I said when I saw this set. That lodge is stunning and if you just add a little crystal effects and you have snow!

1. Simply Scored 122334 $29.95
It is amazing how much a tool can really change your life and this one doesn't disappoint! Scoring is so easy and the stylus stays on the track! Something my "other" board didn't do.

Whew! That was a tough choice; you could just add every other item in that book to my 11+. I hope you enjoyed this post. If you are interested in purchasing any of these items please visit my store or email me today and we can set up a workshop or have you join a club or class!

Happy Creating!!
~Melissa

Golf Carts & More

I am so excited to show this project! It is a thank you gift for our dear friends who we visit every year. They live on a Beautiful golf course called Predator Ridge. If you are a golfer then you definitely need to visit them! Here is the link, I promise you won't be let down. Here is a photo of my hubby and I on one of the amazing holes!

 
OK back to the crafting! How cute is this!!!!

Front of the Golf Cart, we girls love our vacation drinks so this set was fitting!

Side view of the cart. How cute is the seat!

On a golf Cart you need a place to hold your bags! This space is just big enough to hold Tees and some candy :-)

In addition to golf we  did a little camping so this was the little card I created to thank them. Last year on our camping trip we wanted to take a hike but it was closed because of bear sightings so It made me chuckle when I saw this!

If you would like to make either of these fun little projects I would be happy to host a workshop for and your friends! Contact me today.

Happy Creating!!!

~Melissa

Thanks, that was so cool of you!

Over the summer my daughter was fortunate enough to go spend 10 days in Sandpoint, Idaho. She went on a float plane tour, rode jet skis, went to Silverwood theme park, made tie-dye shirts and so much more. I wanted to make her hostess a card that she would love and this is what I came up with. I love this punch and stamp set together! So super cute!!!

Paper:

122925 Calypso Coral paper
100730 Whisper White paper
122922 Wisteria Wonder Paper

Stamp Set:

122742 Pennant Punch
123042 Sunny fun

Ink:

122935 Lucky Limeade
122939 Calypso Coral
122937 Island Indigo
122936 Wisteria Wonder

Accessories:

122361 Pennant Builder punch
119882 Scallop trim border punch
177335 Polka Dot embossing folder
122976 Calypso Coral ribbon

On the look out for new business!

So I ran across a video from a fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator that talked about how she rebuilds her business whenever she moves. Her husband is in the Navy so they go when the Navy tells it is time to go. What inspired me was how she really has to start all over each time they move and that she is so successful in her business. Her name is Kimberly Van Diepen. I was so motivated after watching her videos that it is time to start fresh! So here are my new business bags! My goal is to hand out at least one a day.

This bag has a mini catalog, my business card, a 3x3 card, & our latest promo (buy 3 get 1 FREE).

3x3 card using the new Raining Flowers set.

The inside of the card.

Everything that will go into the bag.

I am so excited to share my love of this craft & this company. Seriously, I just love to teach friends (old & new) how to create something homemade that they are proud to give away. This is a great time to start thinking about Christmas cards. Yes, I know summer just arrived in Seattle but there is something to be said for planning ahead! Please call me if you are interested in scheduling a private workshop.

Happy Creating!!
~Melissa

Convention Swaps.

I just joined the Stampin’ Up! Family in April of 2011. And while I am brand new to Stampin’ Up! I am not new to paper crafting. Stampin’ Up! holds a convention every year in Salt Lake City, UT where its corporate headquarters are located. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this year. I have attended other conventions but never a craft convention so I was super eager to prepare for this one! The gals and guys of SU love to swap cards. Meaning they trade the card they made for yours so they can take it home and recreate it or get inspiration from it. I had decided that I wanted to make four different styles of cards ranging from a WOW factor to a basic card. I wanted to create 25 of each design. What I didn’t count on was the sheer amount of work it took complete. You see I work in the Finance group at Microsoft and May, June, & July are crazy busy times for us, so my hours were long and I had little time to get my swaps completed. Thank goodness I have a crafty daughter, niece, and mother! They helped me put my cards together of the month. I designed each card early so I wouldn’t have to do it last minute.

Here are my designs!

Sick? Feel better soon!

Supplies I used:
120651 Word Play
124297 So Saffron cardstock
124290 Real Red cardstock
124284 Old Olive cardstock
124267 Basic Black cardstock
101179 Basic Black Ink
113439 Big Shot
121812 Fun Flowers Die
114511 Little Leaves Die
119277 Elegant Lines Embossing Folder
119858 Boho Blossom Punch
117273 Antique Brads
119267 1/8 Taffeta Ribbon – Basic Black
104332 Stampin Dimensionals
104332 Snail Adhesive
116631 Paper-Piercing tool
105826 Mat Pack

Christmas Card

Supplies I used:
100730 Whisper White cardstock
105120 Bashful Blue cardstock
101179 Basic Black Ink
Ba105209 shful Blue Ink
119677 Stampin Write Marker – Daffodil Delight
121074 Stampin Write Marker – Melon Mambo
100052 Stampin Write Marker – Real Red
123002 Stampin Write Marker – Indigo Blue
105115 Stampin Write Marker – Pumpkin Pie
122677 Polar Party stamp set
124325 Bashful Blue ribbon
119246 Rhinestones
101610 Stampin Sponges
104332 Snail Adhesive

Forever Young

Supplies I used:
124267 Basic Black cardstock
101650 Very Vanilla cardstock
122366 Morning Mocha Designer Series Paper
101179 Basic Black Ink
122572 Forever Young Stamp Set
122941 Mini Brads
Sponge 102892 Daubers
104332 Snail Adhesive

Birthday Present

Supplies I used:
122925 Calypso Coral cardstock
101650 Very Vanilla cardstock
122342 Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper
122939 Calypso Coral Ink
104430 Stampin Dimensionals
122976 Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon
104332 Snail Adhesive
119876 1 inch circle punch
104294 Stick Strip

If you would like more direction on how to create these cards please leave me a comment and I will be happy to provide written instructions.

Happy Creating!!
~Melissa

My Top 15 favorites...

I recently ran across a post on SU's Facebook wall asking what our 15 favorites out of the new catalog were & I was so excited I thought I would see if I could narrow it down! Here is my go at it!

15. Happiest Birthday Wishes Hostess Set. It has so much to offer and it is offered at a great value!

14. Wicked Cool. Who doesn't love Halloween? I love this fun & Funky set.

13. Batty For You. I work at Microsoft and every year at Halloween employees & contractors bring in their children to trick-or-treat. This is a HUGE event here. Employees spend months planning their hall's displays. So with this set I can create cute little gift bags for the candy I pass out!

12. Polar Party!!! I just love the cuteness of this stamp set. I used it as one of my convention swaps and I love it!

11. Holiday Lineup. This set just makes me smile! I love the comical "line-up" as if Santa's helpers could be in trouble :-)

10. I {Heart} Hearts. This set isn't new, it was in the 2010-2011 IBC as well but I just love that it so versatile.

9. Totally Tool. My husband loves woodworking and I struggle so often trying to make him a card. Now I have the perfect set to create his birthday cards!

8. Totally Tess. This one just explains me!

7. Forever Young Stamp Set. I love the classic timelessness of this set. Every time I look at it I get inspiration.

6. The New "In-Colors" Yup, I love them! So happy and Cheery.

5. Mocha Morning Designers Series Paper. WOW oh WOW is what I say every time I look at this paper. I can't help it. I have found so many uses for it.

4. Designer Series Fabric. Ok so I know I kind of cheated here. I know I was only supposed to pick one but I really do love them all! If I have to narrow it down, it would be the Timeless Portrait Fabric.

3. Brads!!! Yup cheated again but the mini brads and polka dot brads make me all warm and fuzzy inside!

2. Lace Border Punch. You can use this for some many projects. It can be a border, a flower, a frame, and more.

1. The Perfect Pennant Die for the Big Shot. This is an AWESOME die! Dollies, pennants, and more.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the new catalog, what do you love, what can't you live without, and what are you wishing we had back?

Happy Creating!!
~Melissa