On My Way to Utah!

I'll be getting on the plane shortly, on my way to Salt Lake City to join thousands of other Stampin' Fanatics!

There will be demonstrators from all across the country, swap cards in hand, ready to trade. It is always so much fun to see what everyone else has come up with for a swap card. There are always techniques used that you may not have seen before, or that you have just forgotten about. The anticipation of receiving the new catalog in just a few hours is tremendous.

First thing we do, after swapping in the Utah airport, and checking in to our hotel, while swapping in the lobby, is walk across the street to the Convention Center, while swapping in the crosswalk, and pick up our Convention bag with the New Catalog. We will then find the perfect spot, while swapping in the hall, to sit on the floor, and swap with the person sitting next to you, and immediately start turning page by page, ooohing and aaahing over all of the new stamp sets and accessories, while swapping with the ladies walking past, that we're just going to have to have.

Check back this evening for a look at the new 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog!

dd

220 Swaps Done!

Whew! 220 swap cards done and ready to trade at Convention. Today I will be packing and getting ready to fly out to Utah for Stampin' Ups! 20th Anniversary Celebration. How exciting to be a part of this year's Convention. I will also be celebrating my 5 year anniversary with Stampin' Up! It is hard to believe it has been 5 years already. Time sure flies when you are having fun, and I do have fun! I truely believe in our statement of the heart, "To love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity and worthwhile accomplishments...in this we make a difference." I know that I am living up to the Loving what I do, and sharing what I Love, and I hope that I am helping you all find and enjoy the creativity in yourselves. I can't wait to share everything I learn at Convention with you all when I return.

I am planning on taking my computer with me. Hopefully I will be able to share a few things while I'm gone. If I don't post, please know that it is only because we have a very full agenda.
Gotta start packing! Have a Great Day!

dd

Another Swap Card

This is a special swap card that I made for the ladies in our stamping group that are going to Convention. I used two more patterns from the new Designer Series Paper Bella Rose and two of the new In-Colors, Riding Hood Red, and Pirouette Pink. I am loving these new colors! The red button is from the new Button Bouquet. This is an assortment of 8 really cute buttons to coordinate with the new In-Colors. It is hard to see here, but check out this really fun technique with the Scallop Circle Punch. I saw this on another site, and just had to CASE it. Copy And Share Everything! After punching out your scallop circle, you just snip each petal, giving the circle a real flower look. Then I slightly bent every other petal, and used Stampin' Dimensionals on one flower. See close up photos below.





The For You stamp is from the Fresh Cuts set, another new set, and the Swirl is from one of my current favorites, Priceless. The ribbon is the Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon and I tied the Red Hemp Twine through the button. Other punches used for this card were the Large & Small Oval, and the 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Circle.

Hope you enjoy this great technique. Only 2 more days to Convention! I'm sure I'll have lots of other fun new tricks & techniques to share when I get back.

Thanks for visiting!

dd

Dreams du Jour

We had the new AT&T U-Verse installed yesterday. This is an advanced tv and high speed internet deal, and while they were working, I wasn't able to use my computer. I must say it is amazing! I have never seen my computer work so fast, plus now I'm wireless. So, now while my husband is surfing the over 300 channels we now have, I can be in the family room with him.
Well, so much for that, lets get to the fun stuff. Here is my latest card.
These are two of the new In-Colors.

Kiwi Kiss, and Pacific Point. This is also one of the new stamp sets that will be in the new 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog. Dreams du Jour is a set of 4 stamps. There are 3 images, and a quote. I love quotes, and this one is a favorite. I didn't have quite the right color of brads, so I created "faux" brads. This is very simple. I just used my 1/4" handpunch and punched holes in the Pacific Point cardstock before I mounted it on the Kiwi Kiss. You can click on the image to view it larger. I also used my blender pens and ink pads to color the flowers on the dream stamp. The butterflies are stamped with versa mark to add a subtle background.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a great weekend!

dd

Bag in a Box

As promised, here is the project I did using the new Designer Series Paper Bella Rose. I have seen these on several sites, and just had to make one! Isn't it just so cute? As much as I hate to think of the holidays just yet, my brain is swimming with ideas of what little gifts I could put in these. I want to make one for everyone!The bottom measures 2-1/2" x 2-1/2", and it is 5-1/2" tall. These would be great for gift cards, candy, cookies, jewelry, even a small stamp set. So many possibilities. The stamp set used is one of the new Hostess sets that will be available in the new 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog, called Deer Friends. It is a set of 8 all Christmas related...and all equally as cute as this little reindeer. You can earn this set FREE! All you have to do is have a workshop after August 11, 2008, totalling $300.00 in merchandise, and you can choose this set as your FREE Hostess Benefit set. Contact me today if you are interested in hostessing either a catalog workshop, or a live workshop so you can earn your Hostess Benefits!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a wonderful day...until tomorrow.

dd

Just an added note to let you know that all of the hodge podge hardware sets have sold out.

Happy Wednesday

Sorry I missed you yesterday...it was my Birthday, and I decided to take a little break and have a me day. I actually slept in...I am usually up between 5:30 and 6:00 am, but I didn't get up until 7:30! I didn't do any dishes, laundry, or clean anything yesterday. I did go shopping, which I haven't done in quite some time. One of the events we are attending at Convention is a "pajama party". All of the girls in our group are wearing matching pj's, so I went out to get mine. I treated myself to a Starbucks caramel frappacino...something else I haven't done in a while, and went to Kohl's and got a couple of new tops...Happy Birthday to me!



Just a reminder that the Retiring Accessories List has posted, and there are several things that have already sold out! Both the pewter and antique brass hodge podge hardware sets are gone. Be sure to contact me as soon as possible, if there is anything that you need. I am still offering a 10% discount on any retiring stamp set ordered now through August 10.

I hope you all enjoy your day! I have some more swaps to work on for Convention, and a really cute project to show you using the new Designer Series Paper Bella Rose. Check back tomorrow to see what it is!

Thanks for checking in!

dd

Pewter Hodge Podge Hardware

Just wanted to let you know that the pewter hodge podge hardware set has already sold out! I knew these would go fast with the 25% discount. The other 2 sets are still available. You can see them on page 188 of the Spring/Summer Catalog. Let me know if you need anything!

dd

25% off Select Retiring Accessories

For the first time, Stampin' Up! is offering a 25% discount on select Retiring Accessories. No additional purchase necessary, while supplies last. This is just a few of the accessories that will be retiring. Check the website http://www.stampinup.com/ for a complete list.



Don't forget, I am offering a 10% discount on any retiring stamp set or *other accessory ordered now through August 10. You can email me your order, and I will get it placed before the deadline.



ITEM#/ PAGE /DESCRIPTION/ PRICE /SALE PRICE

109117--167-- Pocket Notes Assortment-- $9.95-- $7.46
110479-- 168-- Jersey Shore Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
110699-- 168-- East Coast Prep Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
109159-- 169-- Flowers for You Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
110273-- 169-- Spring Fling Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
110748-- 170-- Notebook Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
109153-- 170-- Porcelain Prints Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
110751-- 171-- Azure Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
109164-- 171-- River Rock Prints Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
109175-- 171-- Almost Amethyst Prints Designer Series Paper-- 9.95 --7.46
109168 --171-- Groovy Guava Prints Designer Series Paper -9.95-- 7.46
109169-- 171-- Close to Cocoa Prints Designer Series Paper-- 9.95-- 7.46
110284-- 182 --Eastern Elegance Rub-Ons-- 10.95-- 8.21
110285-- 182-- Urban West Rub-Ons --10.95-- 8.21
110281-- 182-- Cherished Memories Rub-Ons-- 10.95-- 8.21
109185-- 190-- Jersey Ribbon Originals-- 12.95-- 9.71
109187-- 190-- District Ribbon Originals- 12.95-- 9.71
109189-- 190-- Beachfront Ribbon Originals-- 12.95-- 9.71
110716-- 191-- Wild Wasabi Striped Grosgrain Ribbon-- 7.95-- 5.96
109062-- 191-- River Rock Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon-- 8.95 6.71
*my 10% discount can not be combined with 25% discount offered on items listed here.



Also for the first time Stampin' Up! is offering the empty tins from the punch box sets for only $3.95. These make great storage containers, or they would be fun to alter! Item #114673. You can see one of these tins on page 181 of the Spring/Summer Catalog.



Still on sale at a 25% discount are the Hodge Podge hardware sets, regularly $27.95. I am offering an additional 10% discount on these! Order now and pay only $18.86! plus tax & s/h.

Email me your orders soon. These items will go fast, and are limited to the stock on hand. I accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, checks and cash.

Have a Great Day!

dd

Wow Flowers Thank You Card

As promised, here are the other 2 stamps from the new Wow Flowers set. This card was made using the new In Color Pacific Point as the base. I haven't received my new patterned paper yet, so I used Designer Series Paper Porcelain Prints. It is not a perfect match, but I think it works. The thank you circle is popped up and I used a rhinestone brad for the center of the flower.


Monday, July 21, Stampin' Up! will release the list of retiring accessories. These papers will most likely be on that list. Also on the list will be all of the current In Color cardstock, ink & ribbon. They have already sold out of 2 of the Double Stitched Ribbon colors, Blue Bayou and Purely Pomegranate. So if you are in need of any of the In Color items I wouldn't wait to get them ordered. All of the items on the Retiring Accessories List are limited to the stock on hand. When they are gone...they are gone for good.

Just a reminder that my Retirement Party is this Sunday. It is at my house, from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. This is an Open House style party, so you can come at your convenience. Be sure to bring your wish list, so you can get everything you need before it's gone. There will be a raffle for prizes, make-n-takes, a sneak peek from the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog, and food & fun! Hope to see you there...here!

dd

Wow Flowers

Here it is! Your first peek at one of the new stamp sets from the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog. This set is called Wow Flowers. Isn't it fun? It is a set of 4 stamps...you'll have to wait to see the other 2. I made this card using the Pacific Point cardstock for the base, and Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, and Riding Hood Red for the flowers. It's hard to see here, but I used dimensionals to mount the flowers on the coordinating circles of cardstock. I stamped the birthday sentiment with White Craft ink, so it would show up nicely on the darker cardstock. I used my Pick a Petal Classy Brass Template and Paper Piercer to create the background circles, and last but not least, I tied Silver Elastic Cord around the bottom for a little added dimension.

I hope you are all having a great week. I am having so much fun with my new stamps, check back tomorrow...I might just have to show you the other 2 stamps from this set!

dd

New Colors!

Oh my goodness! I can't believe it has been almost a week since I have posted anything! I must apologize. I had a vertigo thing going on for a couple of days. I didn't get much accomplished on those days, but I have been very busy preparing for "Rock the District", our "Retirement Party", and working on my swaps for convention. Only 14 more days! I have also been babysitting alot. Casey had her tonsils removed. She did great. She woke up from the anesthesia singing. I could hear her giggling as I walked back to the recovery room. She said her throat hurt worse before the surgery than it does now, but I have still been helping her out with Makayla so she doesn't over do it.

I was also kinda waiting to show you something new, and I am happy to say that my first order of the sneak peek products finally arrived. These are the new In Colors for the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog. They are gorgeous! They are so bright and fun! I Love the names too, listed in the order as they appear above. Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, and Riding Hood Red.

Check back tomorrow and see a sample with one of the new stamp sets!

dd

With Gratitude

Here is another swap card. I love leaves, nature, and the colors of fall. This is a fun card to make, but while making 40 of them, I had to ask myself, "why do I do this to me?" To create the background, I used the smaller leaf stamp. Using the "stamping off" technique again, I ramdomly stamped with 3 colors, Really Rust, Old Olive, and So Saffron on Very Vanilla cardstock. Then I stamped the large leaf on top of that with Really Rust. That makes a total of about 20 leaves per card, times 40 cards...you can do the math. All I know is that's alot of leaves. But, it was worth it. I am very pleased with the way it turned out, and will be proud to swap this one. I repeated this technique for the sentiment. Then mounted it on Really Rust cardstock, using the Slit Punch and copper brads from the Vintage Collection.

I think I figured out how to do this so you should be able to click on the image to view it larger.

dd

Celebrate Card

One of the fun things about Convention is swapping card samples with Demonstrators all across the country. My goal is to make at least 200 samples to trade, so I will come home with 200 new samples. I usually make 40-50 (I get bored after that) of 3 or 4 different cards. This is one of the cards that I will be swapping. This is a really fun set called "Celebrate Everything". There are 7 different words to go with the word celebrate. It is hard to see here, but I have used the 1/4" cream grosgrain ribbon and colored the edge with my Stampin' Write Marker. I stamped the background floral design with Versa Mark, and then stamped the flower over the "a" with Mellow Moss ink by using the "stamping off" technique. This is when you ink up your stamp and stamp it on a scrap first before stamping on your card. This creates a more subtle look. I didn't want the flower to overpower the word. I also added a brad in the center. The flower is from the "Always" set. The buckle is part of the new Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware. I used my Reinker mixed with Crystal Effects to paint it. Cardstock colors are Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla. Ink colors are Pumpkin Pie and Mellow Moss.

I have 114 cards ( 3 different designs) done so far, and 21 more days until I'm off to Convention. I'll share another card with you tomorrow.

These sets will be available in the new catalog.

dd

Retirement Sale

Here is just a sampling of the sets that we will have for sale on July 20. Sometimes, it is hard to let go, but then I just wonder...if these are going away...what must they have in store for us in the new catalog! It's like Christmas in July...the anticipation of new toys.

Okay, I'm sure you are all ready to move on past the retirement information. I just don't want you to miss out on anything. Keep in mind the specials that I am running now through August 10--the absolute last day that any retiring product can be ordered, and the date of the Retirement Party. I promise I won't dwell on this any longer. However, I will send a reminder when we get closer to the date. Even though this will be an Open House format, if you would like to rsvp it would be greatly appreciated. We will be having a raffle for prizes, and you need not be present to win, but feel free to come and stay for a while or spend the whole day with us.

I promise tomorrow I will post another card sample. Until then, enjoy your day!

dd

Be Happy

I love this set. It represents exactly how I feel about stamping. Stamping makes me happy, I consider it playing, and I love to laugh and share with all of my friends. Yes, it is retiring. It is actually a set of 6. There is another tag stamp and an "E" with the word enjoy. You can find this set on page 48 of the catalog. And speaking of retiring, I will be having a "Retirement" Party at my house on Sunday, July 20. I have teamed up with another Demonstrator, and we will have several of our retiring stamp sets and accessories for sale, at ridiculously low prices. We will also have some fun Make-n-Take projects, a sneak peek of some of the new and exciting products being released in the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog, and what stamping event would be complete without food. We will also have a raffle for some great prizes! This will be Open House style--time to be determined--so you can come at your convenience. But you might want to come early--before all of the good stuff is gone.

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend!

dd

Face Painting Anyone?

Meet Makayla! This is my 4-1/2 year old grand daughter. I have a great story, so bare with me.
Makayla spent the night with us Friday after the rehearsal dinner for Jeremy's wedding. Saturday morning (the morning of the wedding) we had some men come to trim our trees. Another long story as to why it had to be this day. Anyway, Makayla was coloring, but wanted to be outside with Grandpa to see the tree trimmers in action. I took her little table, coloring books etc. outside, and got her all set up. She had come inside to get some more things...markers. My grandmotherly instincts kicked in and I inquired as to whether or not these were "washable" markers...they were not. I hesitated to even let her use them, but of course, we couldn't find any others, and she just had to use markers. It's amazing how a 4 year old can talk you into almost anything. I told her she needed to be very careful not to get marker on herself, because we would be having family pictures taken later at Uncle Jeremy's wedding. "okay, Nana I will be careful." It was hot out, and even though I had Makayla set up in the shade, she was thirsty and needed a drink. In the 49-1/2 seconds it took me to go in and fix a glass of lemonade, this is what I walked out to!
"Makayla Gabrielle!" You know you're in trouble when both first and middle names are used. "What did you do?" Actually, I was trying not to laugh. "We just talked about these markers not being washable!" I was trying to be stern, but I didn't want to upset her too much and make her cry...there's nothing worse than tears and markers running down your face. So, I hurried her inside to wash her off as quickly as possible, thinking all the while that I hope the wedding photographer is an expert with photoshop. When we got to the bathroom, I stopped...took a deep breath...and pictures! I had to show her what she looked like in the mirror, and we both laughed. She actually did a nice job considering she did it in 49-1/2 seconds and without a mirror. It did wash off very easily, but all of the non-washable markers went in the trash.

So, to all you moms & grandmas...don't get mad...take pictures!
Can't wait to scrapbook this page. It is definitely a memory that we will cherish for years to come.

Thanks for listening. Have a Great Weekend!
dd

Happy 4th of July!

Here is a fun card. I love the "Patriotic Colors". For the background, I randomly stamped the star image with versa mark ink. I sponged the edges of the white strip to help it blend with the blue background and stamped the small star image in red. The large star is the On Board Chipboard covered with red cardstock, a rub-on, a small star punched from white cardstock and a brad in the center.

These are 3 of the sayings from It's Your Birthday.

Please be safe while celebrating this July 4th!

dd

More Favorite Sets Gone

Here is another one of my favorite stamps that will be retiring soon. The Print Pattern Background. This is a great stamp to add a subtle background by stamping with the versa mark ink pad, or by using the same color ink and card stock. Or you can create a more bold look like this card. I added a small flower in the white spaces to "cutesy" it up a bit.

On this card I've used 4 sets, and you guessed it, 3 of the 4 sets are soon to be gone. The flower is from Bud Basics. It is a 2-step stamp set that you stamp the image in one color, and then the outline in another. The stitches are from All in a Row. This is a great set for adding faux stitching to your projects. The Happy Birthday saying is from It's Your Birthday. I will definitely miss this set. It has 9 different birthday stamps. It is hard to see, but I have also stamped the background with the Canvas Background. This stamp will remain in the new 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog.

I hope you all enjoy your day. It's raining here today, so I'll be stamping!

dd

July Specials

Here are my *"In Color" Specials for the month of July.
In Color items can be found on page 163 of the Spring/Summer Collection Catalog. Double Stitched Ribbon is on page 191.

1) Buy any individual In Color item and receive a 10% discount. (OR)
2) Buy any In Color Ink Pad and receive the Ink Refill FREE. (OR)
3) Buy a **Combo Pack--1 Single Color Package, or Color Assortment of 8-1/2 x 11 Paper, 1 Roll Double Stitched Ribbon, & Ink Refill, all the same color, and receive the Ink Pad in the same color FREE.

These colors will be retiring along with the list of stamp sets. Watch my blog for the list of retiring accessories to be announced later this month.

*These are my personal specials, and not offered through Stampin' Up!
**Combo Pack is my personal offer, and not offered through Stampin' Up!

These offers cannot be combined.

Happy New Stampin' Up! Year

July 1 is the start of the new Stampin' Up! year. That means lots of new, fun and exciting things happening! I just got a sneak peek of a few of the new stamp sets and accessories that will be revealed in the new 2008 Idea Book & Catalog. I am so excited, but I can't share yet. I do however, want to share with you two of my favorite sets that will be retiring. "Touch of Nature", and "Blossoms Abound". I love these sets, and will be sad to see them go. If you love them too, you need to get them before they retire. The absolute last day that these sets can be ordered is August 10. I am offering a 10% discount on all retiring sets ordered in July. So, look over your wish list and send me an email of the sets that you won't be able to live without. Check back tomorrow for another special I'm offering.

dd