A Touch From the Heart

Up, Up and Away!!!!

I bet you didn't know that one of my BFFs and her husband are avid balloonists.  They own their own hot air balloon and fly in it as often as they can.  Although, I can report that I've never been in the balloon yet......and I'm visiting them in less than 2 weeks.....and a tethered ride would be just fine instead of going WAY up!  Jenn, are you getting the hint?  LOL!!!

So, when I created this week's card for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge, I photographed it right away and put this card in the mail to Jenn.  Jenn is my roomie at all Stampin' Up! events, and we were neighbors until I moved from NY five years ago (she says that I deserted her....LOL!!!).

This card was so much fun to make!!! 

My base card is Cherry Cobbler.  Seriously, isn't this like the best red ever?  I use it all the time!!!

It's very hard to see in this photo, but I used my Stripe embossing folder in both directions to create a basketweave effect on the So Saffron layer.......because hot air balloons have baskets!!!  Hey, I thought it was genius at the time!!!  This layer is matted on a 1/8" larger piece of Early Espresso cardstock.  

For my focal image, I started with some Whisper White cardstock punched with the 2 1/2" circle punch.  I created a sky background using my sponge, Marina Mist ink pad and a Scallop Circle punch out.  Just keep moving the scallop circle down and around to create the faux clouds.  

My striped balloon is colored with my markers.  The polka dot balloon is inked with Lucky Limeade ink.  Both balloons have Early Espresso baskets.  The birds are also inked with Early Espresso.  

My focal image is matted on a Marina Mist scalloped circle that's been cut with my Big Shot and the Scallop Circle #2 die.  I added them to my card and trimmed the overhang with my paper trimmer.

Before adding everything to my base card, I wrapped some Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine around the card, criss-crossed it and tied it into a cute little bow.  I added three little Mini brads and then added my sentiment.....because I really do miss my BFF Jenn!

Well, I sure hope Jenn received her card before she reads this blog post.  I think she FB'd that she's ballooning today!!!   I can only imagine the view.......pure heaven!!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Up, Up & Away
paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, So Saffron, Marina Mist, Whisper White
ink:  Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade
accessories:  Textured Stripes embossing folder, Scallop Circles #2 bigz die, 2 1/2" circle punch, 1" circle punch, Modern Label punch, Mini Brads, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine 

Love My Job.....and That's "No Lion"

People who know me best can vouch for this next statement:  "Patti tells it like it is".  For example, if someone asks how I feel about a product, I'll tell them if I like it or if I don't like it.  I back it up with reasons so they can make an informed decision.  I WILL NOT push something on you just to make a sale.  That's just the way it is with me, and I think my clients value that with me.

With that being said, I can honestly tell you that I LOVE MY JOB!!!!  As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I have met people I would not have met otherwise.  We have a deep bond, and these ladies are truly loved like sisters.  I have traveled to places I would not have ventured to otherwise.  I love teaching others that they can make something pretty out of stamps, ink and paper.  I love seeing their self-confidence build.  How much fun is that?  Loads of fun!!!

There's only a few more days to take advantage of the $99 Starter Kit special.  It ends on July 31st.  There's also a FREE Christmas Keepsake kit for everyone who signs up before July 31st too!

Shelli Gardner, the founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!, has put a cute little video together highlighting this new Starter Kit.

 

Now, I know this is a big decision.  You may have some questions in your head that need to be answered before signing up.  That's what I am here for.  As your future upline, I am available for ALL questions you may have.  I will train you every step of the way!!!  Please call me or email me so I can answer all those questions you may have.  

Most of my team members are spread across the US.  Just because we don't live right by each other doesn't mean that I can't teach you all you need to know!  Technology is a wonderful thing.  We use phones, web-cams, email, Facebook, Yahoo Groups and so much more to keep in touch!

Remember....there is no failure!!!  If being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator doesn't work out, you won't be yelled at because it didn't work out.  You will have an entire box of brand new and wonderful Stampin' Up! goodies to play with.   You won't be looked at in a negative way!  But, I think you will fall in love with the company like I did.  Whether you want to be a hobby demonstrator (just for the discount) or you want to run a business like I do, I think sharing your love of stamping is the perfect way to do it!!!

If you know you would like to sign up on my team, you can easily do so through my demonstrator website.  I can't wait to help you start on this new journey!!!

 

 

Thank You Stampin' Up!

Remember when I told you that I won the Hello, Doily (isn't that name cute???) stamp set at Convention.

Well, here's the first card I made with it.  It's so stinkin' easy, but you wouldn't know it by looking at it.  Let's just call it simple elegance!!!

This is the second card we made at Stamp Club this month.  They LOVED it....and couldn't believe this card was SO simple to make!!!

Here's how to make it:

1.  Ink up the Hello, Doily background stamp with Versamark ink and stamp onto Very Vanilla cardstock.

2.  Sprinkle clear embossing powder over the image, shake off excess and heat until melted.

3.  Ink up a sponge with Soft Suede ink and rub over entire piece of Very Vanilla cardstock.  Use a paper towel to buff any excess ink off of embossed image.  Tear off upper left corner.  Adhere a 1 1/2" square of First Edition dsp (lightly sponged with Soft Suede ink) behind torn corner.

4.  Lightly sponge the edges of the Beau Chateau dsp strip using Soft Suede ink.

5.  Cover seam of papers with a length of Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon.  Secure to back of card using scotch tape.

6.  Stamp "friends" (from Tiny Tags stamp set) using Soft Suede ink onto a scrap of Very Vanilla cardstock.  Punch with the Jewelry Tag punch and sponge edges with Soft Suede ink.

7.  Using a paper piercing tool, pierce a hole in top of tag.  Thread hole with some Linen Thread and tie to Soft Suede ribbon.

That's it......easy peasy!  

If you would like to make this easy peasy card yourself, all of the items used to make it are available from my ONLINE STORE.  Thanks for choosing me as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Card Recipe

stamps:  Hello, Doily, Tiny Tags
paper:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau dsp, First Edition Specialty dsp
ink:  Soft Suede, Versamark
accessories:  clear embossing powder, heat gun, Soft Suede Taffeta ribbon, Linen Thread, Jewelry Tag punch 

 

 

Stamp Club Project #1

On Saturday morning, my Stamp Club ladies met for the first time with the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog.  It was fun watching their faces as they turned the pages of the new catalog.  I told them it was a good one, but I don't think they believed me!!  LOL!!! Now they know I wasn't lying!!!!

Of course, I had to show them my favorite stamp set from the catalog:  Field Flowers.  I think they fell in love too after making this card.......

I always show something that makes them go "wow".  This month we embossed some dsp with the Big Shot and used a sanding block to expose some of the dsp's white core.  It makes this shabby chic card look even more shabby.  What an inexpensive way to add fabulous texture to a project!

I just love the way this card turned out!!  I've used tons of new product on this card......Mini Brads, Lace Ribbon Border punch, new stamps, a new purple! 

If you've fallen in love with this project, all of the items used to make it are available for purchase through my ONLINE STORE.  I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  

Card Recipe

stamps:  Field Flowers, Netting, Petite Pairs
paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, First Edition Specialty dsp, 2011-2013 In Color Patterns dsp stack
ink:  Wisteria Wonder,  Concord Crush, Crumb Cake
accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, circle punches (1 1/4", 1 3/8"), Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, sponges, Mini Brads, Lace Ribbon Border Punch

Happy Birthday Selene!

For this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge card, I made a birthday card for friend and fellow operator Selene Kempton.  I actually made the card weeks ago and hand-delivered it to her at Convention last week.  

This card is pink, pink, pink.  Who doesn't love pink, right?  I hope Selene loved it!

 

 

My base card is Pretty in Pink.

Layer #2 is a combination of Pretty in Pink cardstock and some fabulous new dsp from the Flirtacious Specialty dsp collection.  

Layer #3 is.....you guessed it.....Pretty in Pink cardstock that has it's bottom edge punched with the Scallop Trim border punch.  I added a length of Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon to jazz it up a bit.  

Since the dsp has so much pattern on it, I decided to place my sentiment in the medallion.   The "birthday wishes" comes from the Bring on the Cake stamp set.  This stamp set was carried over from the Occasions Mini Catalog....yay!  I stamped the image with Versamark, heat embossed with white embossing powder and punched the image with the 1 3/4" circle punch.   The punched image sits upon a gorgeous medallion from the Perfect Pennants Bigz die.  I love how the scallops mirror those on the Scallop Trim border punch.  

Rather than adding flowers, I chose to add a little key.  The White Baker's Twine worked perfectly!!!

Well, that's about it for my monochromatic card.  Very simple....yet very elegant. 

I'll leave you with the card recipe in case you want to make it yourself.

Card Recipe

stamps:  Bring on the Cake
paper:  Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Flirtacious dsp
ink:  Versamark
accessories:  Big Shot, Perfect Pennants Bigz die, 1 3/4" circle punch, Trinket Key, White Baker's Twine, white embossing powder, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon 

Awwwwww

When you checked out the new catalog, was there a stamp set in there that made you saw "awwwwwww"?  I sure found one.  It's called Kidoodles, and it's stinkin' adorable.  So far I've played with the Halloween spider and the monkey.

Here's my monkey card..........

Did you say "awwwwww" too?  LOL!!!

 

Card Recipe

stamps:  Kidoodles, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip
ink: Black StazOn
accessories:  aquapainter, Stampin' Write markers, Square Lattice embossing folder, Little Leaves sizzlit,  Crumb Cake Taffeta ribbon

If you've fallen in love with this card and would like to make one yourself, all of the items used to make it are available from my ONLINE STORE.   Thanks for choosing me as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

 

Patti’s Stamping Happenings 

• $99 Starter Kit. Is your wish list larger than your family’s pile of dirty laundry?  Join my team and take advantage of an amazing new Starter Kit.  This offer ends on July 31^st.  Sign up and you can attend Convention with me next year!  Yay!
• Email me to order your own copy of the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog
• Have you checked out the new Stampin’ Up! Hostess Rewards Program?
• Place a $50 or more online order and earn free stamps with Patti’s Customer Rewards Program
• Do you love ribbon?  Check out my July Ribbon Share

 

 

Field Flowers

As much as I loved Convention and all the magic associated with it, Dorothy said it best when she proclaimed "there's no place like home".  I missed my family so much!!!

Yesterday, I spent the majority of the day re-organizing my Stampin' Studio with all the free goodies I received at Convention.  I worked on one of the make-n-takes too!  I'll share that with you later!

Today I am going to share with you a project I made the day before I left for Convention.  My favorite UPS guy delivered my big order from the new catalog.  I knew I didn't have much time to play, but I wanted to make a card with the Field Flowers stamp set.  

Upon seeing the images in the catalog, this set qualified as my favorite new stamp set.  As I started playing with it, my decision solidified.......it's DEFINITELY my favorite stamp set from the catalog.  

My card is really simple, but sometimes that's the best kind, right?

This is a two step stamp set.  I first stamped the more solid image using Peach Parfait ink.  I followed this with the more detailed image using Poppy Parade ink.  I am a Clear Mount girl.....so I found this stamp set very easy to line up without needing the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  

I love how vintage I can make this card by stamping on the First Edition dsp rather than cardstock.  

I'll leave you with the card recipe in case you want to recreate it at home.  

Place your Stampin' Up! order from my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Field Flowers
paper:  Chocolate Chip, Peach Parfait, First Edition dsp
ink:  Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Chocolate Chip
accessories:  1 1/4" circle punch, Basic Pearls, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, sponge 

Patti’s Stamping Happenings 

• $99 Starter Kit. Is your wish list larger than your family’s pile of dirty laundry?  Join my team and take advantage of an amazing new Starter Kit.  This offer ends on July 31^st.  Sign up and you can attend Convention with me next year!  Yay!
• Email me to order your own copy of the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog
• Have you checked out the new Stampin’ Up! Hostess Rewards Program?
• Place a $50 or more online order and earn free stamps with Patti’s Customer Rewards Program

• Do you love ribbon?  Check out my July Ribbon Share

Convention: Day Two (General Session #1)

Thursday was the first official day of Convention.  As I mentioned yesterday, the theme of this year's Convention was "Grow".   Convention always starts with a General Session where all 3000+ demos are all in the same room.  Wow!  The room is electric.  There's so much energy and excitement amongst all of us.  Some demos are dancing, some are talking so fast we have a hard time catching all the words, but we all have a smile on our face spanning from ear to ear.  

Before Shelli Gardner, the founder and CEO of the company, takes the stage, there's always a performance with the year's theme song.  It was a catchy tune, and the dancers were so talented!  My daughter Amanda would've loved it as she is a dancer.

Shelli then took the stage for her opening remarks!!!  She is such a caring and genuine person.  I love this about her!!!

Then it was the moment we were all waiting for!  The unveiling of the Holiday Mini products.  Let me tell you! If you thought last year's Holiday Mini was amazing, your jaw is going to drop over this one.  In fact, Stampin' Up! gifted everyone in the room with an 8 pack of Holiday Mini catalogs to share with our customers!

Are you curious about what's in it??????

Stampin' Up! is debuting a new scoring board.  It's called Simply Scored, and it's wonderful.  I've played with it while I was at Convention.  I have a contraband scoring board, and this one beats it by a mile.  There's no jumping of the grooves on this baby!!!  It's heaven.  

We will carry cookies stamps.  Yup, you heard me right!  There's a wooden handle with interchangeable stamps to stamp your sugar and shortbread cookies.  What fun!!!!

 While I can't show you pictures of the products themselves, I can give you a few sneak peeks of projects made with those products.  Would you care to see a few?  (these photos are of a big screen in the room....so they are a bit fuzzy).

 

How about a coordinating set of products to create a Countdown to Christmas calenday.   That's right....there's a new Bigz die to create the shapes with flaps, stamp set with the images and numbers and a coordinating punch.  Wowza!

Stockings are definitely a big theme this year.  There's a new Bigz die that can cut fabric as well as cardstock.  The die allows you to cut and have faux stitch marks on the toe and heel.  Love this!  The stocking theme is also found in a new stamp set with coordinating punch (that also cuts cuffs, toe and heel shapes).  Woo hoo!  Here's a sample of a card made with the stamp set.  I had to crop the picture so not to include the wood stamps that were displayed with the card.  

See those little jingle bells?  Cute, huh?

No worries if you love the other Fall holidays too!  Halloween and Thanksgiving are well taken care of too!  

Here's a sample of a fabulous new stamp set called Gently Falling.  It's a gorgeous two step stamp set of leaves and acorns.  I learned that I will be getting this stamp set (as well as some dsp and fabric) for FREE because of my title within the company.  Have I thanked Stampin' Up! today for all the wonderful opportunities it offers to it's demonstrators?  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

This is just a tiny snippet of all the fabulous new products.  I don't want to give it all away!  I want you to be surprised when you look at it yourself.  If you've ordered from me over the past year, you'll receive your very own copy in August.  There's still time to get on my mailing list.  Just place an online order through my demonstrator website.  I pride myself on tip-top customer service!!!!

Of course, Convention is not Convention without the surprises.  We were all gifted with a brand new Simply Sent card kit.  These are perfect for brand new stampers or when you need to make a card within a minute!!!

I'll be back with more photos and stories of my Convention adventure!!!  Hope to see you back here soon!!!

 

While this year's Convention is over, you can start planning to attend next year's Convention with me!!!  I would love to have you join my team of demonstrators.  Did you know that there's a $99 starter kit special going on until the end of July?  

Whether you want a discount on your favorite stamping products or want to earn income by building your own business, I would love to share the Stampin' Up! opportunity with you.  If you send me an email with your phone number, I would love to call you so you can ask all your questions about what it means to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  

If you know that you already want to join, click HERE to go to my demonstrator website.  Click on the "Join the Fun" tab to start your journey as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  It's a decision you will not regret!!!!

 

Convention Updates

Hello from Salt Lake City, UT!!!  It's Sunday morning, and my roommates are on their planes.  My flight isn't until 2:15pm so I thought I would share some of my Convention 2011 memories.

As much as I love to receive free stamping goodies, Convention has a deeper meaning for me.  It allows me to be with 3000+ people who are as passionate about this company as I am.  

I haven't been to Convention in three years, and all I can say is "wow"!  What an amazing experience.  Stampin' Up! has outdone itself!!

This year's theme was "Grow".  We reflected on ourselves and learned ways to grow personally and professionally.  

Let me show you what I experienced at Convention.......

On Wednesday, we could pick up our Convention bags and four free stamp sets to use during our make-n-takes later in the week.  Here's a photo of me and my BFF Jenn showing off our amazing bags.  Jenn was in love.....that's why she looks deliriously goofy in this photo.  Hey Jenn!  Do you love your bag?  (inside joke......she told us every 15 minutes how much she adored this bag).

Next, we headed to Memento Mall.  It's a Stampin' Up! shopping mecca.  There's lots and lots of Stampin' Up! logo merchandise for us to choose from.   We were waiting on line for over an hour, but that's okay.  It's fun to chit chat with demonstrators and learn more about them. 

Once we were inside Memento Mall, the room was a vision of loveliness......

There were Lucky Limeade umbrellas.........lots of umbrellas.

There was also laptop stickers, mouse pads, shirts, cardigan sweater, ribbon samplers, dsp samplers, catalog tabs and stickers, stretchy SNAIL adhesive clip, drink tumblers, insulated lunch bags, playing cards, collapsible garbage cans and so much more!!!!

After we spent a chunk of change at Memento Mall, I was invited to participate in a focus group.  I am sworn to secrecy, but it's very comforting to know that this company REALLY cares about what its demonstrators think.  They record our session so our input can be used to make this fabulous company even better!  How cool is that?

We then headed to check out all the displays Stampin' Up! created using current merchandise from the catalogs.  This is all new since the last time I've been to Convention....so I enjoyed this immensely.  I'm going to do a separate post on the displays, but I will give you a taste to whet your appetites.  

After checking out all the displays, we came back to the hotel to drop off all our goodies.  We enjoyed a yummy dinner at The Plum restaurant.  I had crab cakes that was sitting in a creamy corn sauce with a avocado and red pepper relish on top.  Delish!!!

After dinner, it was time for the Opening Party.  There was music, games and lots of fun!!!  They also had prizes.  Each attendee is given a wristband in their Convention bag.  Mine was pink stripes.  Guess what was called during the Opening Night party?  You guessed it!  Pink Stripes!  

 Yay!!!!  I won the Hello Doily background stamp and a roll of Pink Pirouette Taffeta ribbon!  I can't wait to start stamping with these beauties!!!  Thank you Stampin' Up!

Some of the demos get really inventive with the Grow theme of this opening night garden party!!  Check out these awesome gnomes.

My favorite part of the Opening Party was watching the demo demonstrations.  Stampin' Up! selects some demonstrators to teach us some cool stamping tips and techniques.  They never fail to impress!!!  These women are SO talented!!!  Thank you for your inspiration.

I also had the opportunity to meet a new friend.  Her name is Diana Eichfeld, and she happened to sit at the same table we were.  We exchanged names, and she got very excited.  She follows my blog, and she called me a rock star.  Oh Diana, you totally made my night!!!!   Here's a photo of us together......

After the Opening Night party, I had my first organized swap.  We had to make 47 full cards for this swap.  I hate to make more than one of the same card, so this was a struggle for me.  But, I now have 47 awesome samples to show my stamping friends when they come to my next class.  Oh, they are going to fall in love!!!!

Well, that about covers the first day.  I'll be back with some memories of my second day of Convention!!!  

While this year's Convention is over, you can start planning to attend next year's Convention with me!!!  I would love to have you join my team of demonstrators.  Did you know that there's a $99 starter kit special going on until the end of July?  

Whether you want a discount on your favorite stamping products or want to earn income by building your own business, I would love to share the Stampin' Up! opportunity with you.  If you send me an email with your phone number, I would love to call you so you can ask all your questions about what it means to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  

If you know that you already want to join, click HERE to go to my demonstrator website.  Click on the "Join the Fun" tab to start your journey as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  It's a decision you will not regret!!!!

Wisteria is Wonderful

I'm in love.......with Wisteria Wonder!  What a gorgeous new purple to play with!!!

For this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge, I made another holiday card.  This time I made one with non-traditional colors.  

I am sending this card to a fellow purple lover!!!  In fact, I loved this card so much that I am using it as my Shoebox Swap card tomorrow night.  Nine demonstrators are meeting in a hotel lobby to make cards.  Each person designs a card, cuts the layers and brings everything you need to make each card.  By the time I leave the hotel on Saturday night, I'll have nine new gorgeous cards to take home with me!

My base card is Wisteria Wonder.

Layer #2 is Concord Crush.  I ran it through the Big Shot using my Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder.  

Layer #3 is another new color.  It's called Lucky Limeade.  Wow!  That sounds yummy right now!  It's incredibly hot and humid here today.  Sipping on some limeade would be glorious!

Okay, back on track.  The Lucky Limeade layer is matted with a 1/4" larger piece of Whisper White cardstock.  

Now for the fun part.....

I ran some Wisteria Wonder cardstock through the Big Shot using the Snowflake #2 Bigz die.  I added it to the right side of my card and trimmed a bit off the right side!

For my cutie patootie snowman, I inked him up with Black StazOn ink and stamped it onto some Whisper White cardstock.  I punched it out with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  I colored the snowman using my Aquapainter and Stampin' Write markers.  Just scribble the ink onto a plastic stamp case and pick up the ink with the Aquapainter.  

My finishing touches include the sentiment that I punched with the Modern Label punch and some Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.  

I really adore this card......and not just because it's purple!  

Well, I am off to enjoy more of Stampin' Up's Convention.  Only one more day of classes and fun!!!!  While most of the Stamping 411 operators are away, we would love to see you stamp with this awesome sketch!!!   Just link your project's web address to the Stamping 411 blog using the Linky Tool at the bottom of the post.  Go ahead and give it a try!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Snow Much Fun
paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
ink:  Black StazOn
accessories:  Big Shot, Snowflake #2 Bigz die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, 1 3/4" circle punch, Modern Label punch, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon