National Scrapbook Month Giveaway!

Did you know May is National Scrapbook Month? A whole month dedicated to this wonderful hobby! To mark the occasion, I am offering a fabulous giveaway of three Stampin' Up! product gift packs! Each packs retail value is between $35 and $50.
The first one features four sheets of Designer Series Paper from last year's catalog, four sheets of Rub Ons and a stamp set from 2008 Sale-A-Bration, plus matching card stock (four sheets of 12x12 and six sheets of 8.5x11) and ribbon.
The second one features items from the 2009 Sale-A-Bration, including an entire package of the Designer Series Paper (16 sheets), the Polka Dot Punches stamp set, a ribbon bundle and matching card stock (six pieces of 12x12 and two pieces of 8.5x11).
The third focuses more on cards than scrapbooking and includes a Patterns Pack II package of Designer Series Paper (60 6x6 sheets), the Sweet Little Sentiment stamp set, 10 precut and scored cards in matching colors, 10 envelopes, and an assortment of ribbon and embellishments.

I will hold a drawing on May 30 for these gift packs. Every time you do any of the following, I will put your name on a ticket for the drawing (you can only win once though):

• Attend any class or workshop in May
• Bring a friend new to my Stampin' Up! classes with you
• Host a workshop
• Place an order (1 ticket for every $25 in purchases). Earn a bonus ticket if you order online.
  
• Participate in May's Ribbon share (more details coming soon.)

April Scrapbook Night

Spring is finally here. Let's hope it's to stay. This month's scrapbook night features a springy page with die cut flowers and a fun card featuring brand new stamps and paper.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Paula's House (call for directions)

COST: 7.00 or free with a $30 order from the catalog.

RSVP: By Monday, April 20 at noon by email to paula24@comcast.net or 801-967-3210

This class will also be offered on Wednesday, April 22 in Murray. Please contact me if you would rather attend that evening.

Here is the page. I have put the picture sizes on there if you would like to bring your pictures with you.
Colors: Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink
Stamps: Just B, Enjoy Every Moment, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet
Accessories: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain, Ribbon Slide, Big Shot Baskets and Blooms Die, Brads, Eyelet Border punch

And here is the card:

Colors: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Stamps: Great Friend, Matchbox Messages
Accessories: Satin Ribbon, Brad, Scallop Border Punch

April Technique Night - Pastels!

This month's technique night features other ways to use chalk other than coloring with it. We will do Poppin' Pastels and the Chalkboard technique. We will make the card and box below and a recipe card to remind you how to do the technique at home.

WHEN: Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Paula's House (Call for directions)

COST: $6 or free with a $25 purchase

RSVP: by noon on Wednesday, April 15 to paula24@comcast.net or 801-967-3210. Technique group members have a reserved spot already.


This Card uses the Poppin' Pastel technique on textured Card Stock. (It is amazing in real life!) It also features an old favorite from the dormant list (Inspired by Nature) and a set from the brand new Occasions Mini called Oval All.

Stamps: Oval All, Inspired by Nature
Colors: Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum, So Saffron, Whisper White
Punches: Eyelet Boarder and Oval Scallop
Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Always Artichoke Grosgrain ribbon


This matchbox features the Chalkboard Technique. We will use two of my favorite things from the new mini catalog: The Matchbox Die for the Big Shot and the new set Great Friends.

Stamps: Great Friends
Colors: Basic Gray and Regal Rose
Punch: Ticket Corner Punch
Big Shot: Big Shot Matchbox Bigz XL Die,
Accessories: Stampin' Pastels

Stampin' Addict Challenges

A few weeks ago, one of my good demo friends Angie and her husband started a new website for those of us who love Stampin' Up! products: Stampin' Addicts. It's a place to share ideas and get answers to questions about stamping. The site has grown from 30 orginal members to over 500 in a short amount of time.

I offered to help in anyway I could and got the assignment to be in charge of the challenges. Basically that means I coordinate the six challenges a week. I only host two of them and we have four very talented hostesses who also offer them too.

The two I host are the card sketch challenge on Thursdays and the scrapbook challenge on Saturday. This weeks card sketch challenge was based on a sketch I found on the makingbirthdaycards website. Here is the card I made for the challenge:


The card features the Flower Fancy stamp set from the main catalog and Oval All from the Occasions Mini that will be available next week. The colors are Baja Breeze, Basic Black and Whisper White. Like that scalloped oval? It will also be available in the Occassions Mini Catalog. I love it! I ran the black strip through my Big Shot with the Texture Impression Plates that are available exclusively through Stampin' Up!

For last Saturday's scrapbook challenge, I decided to post a mini album instead of a scrapbook sketch. It's a flag accordion album and it turned out so cute! Mine features the Sunshine Garden Simple Scrapbook Kit. I will be offering this at my May Stampin' Buffet on May 2 as a great Mother's Day present for grandma, or just a cute album for your own collection.


For more information and to play along, visit Stampin' Addicts and click on the forum section. The challenges are open to anyone who wants to play along. There are no time limits or other rules, just have fun!

Sale-A-Bration Stampin' Buffet - March 28

To mark the end of Sale-A-Bration, March's stampin' buffet projects all feature stamps, paper and ribbons that are only available to earn free during Sale-A-Bration time. How does Sale-A-Bration work? For every $50 in purchases from the catalog you make, you can pick a Sale-A-Bration item. This year Stampin' Up is offering four cute stamp sets, a pack of exclusive Designer Series Paper and a ribbon bundle.

WHEN: Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Yes, I did need to reschedule this a week later than originally planned.)

WHERE: My House (call for directions)

WHAT: Pick and choose from the projects, cards and scrapbook pages you want to make and how many of each.

RSVP: by noon on Wednesday, March 25 and let me know which projects and cards you would like to make so I can have enough ready to go that day. (801)967-3210 or paula24@comcast.net

EXTRA BONUS: Anyone who places a Sale-A-Bration qualifying order during the month of March (including at the Buffet) will receive a $10 credit toward their buffet project fees. Also, if orders at the buffet reach $150, I will hold a drawing for a free level one hostess item from the catalog from those placing an order of any size. Additional drawing for a free hostess set will be held if orders total $300.

Here are the projects and their prices. You can click on the pictures to get a closer look.


Monogram Stationary Box: This box would make a great gift, or keep it for yourself. The first picture shows the box closed. The middle one shows what it looks like when it is open. Notice a compartment for each of the types of cards as well as a notebook to jot down addresses and important dates and a pocket for postage stamps. The last picture shows the eight regular cards, four 3x3 cards and four gift tags that go inside. It uses the Sale-A-Bration Designer Series Paper, two different Sale-A-Bration Stamp sets and the ribbon bundle. This project will take the average stamper 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete so please plan accordingly. Cost: $16

Yummy Treat Basket: Fill this sweet basket with your favorite cookies, or a little Easter grass and some candy and it's the perfect gift for your visiting teaching sisters, your neighbor, child's teacher or anyone who deserves a little yummy for their tummy. It uses the Designer Series Paper, Yummy Stamp Set and the ribbon bundle. Cost: $2.50

Wonderful You Scrapbook Layout: This two-page 12x12 spread can be altered slightly to fit a boy or a girl. It features the same paper and ribbon and the Polka-Dot Punch Stamp Set. The picture sizes are noted if you would like to bring yours and complete the layout. Cost: $6


Way to B Accordion Album: This little picture book is 4"x3" when closed (top picture) and 4"x12" when open. It makes a great gift or perfect little displays. This simple project features the Just B stamp set from the main catalog as well as the Sale-A-Bration paper and ribbon. (And yes, that is my cute Spencer in the pictures.) Cost: $3

Top Note Quilt Card: I learned this fun technique to turn Designer Series Paper scraps into a quilt from my friend and fellow demo Amy Bell. Cost: $1.25

Polka Dot Punches Card: This card has been so popular, I decided to bring it back for the buffet. Everything punches out so it is fast and easy. Cost: $1.25

A Little Something Pocket Card: And now for something completely different, this one features two top notes turned into a pocket card. Simple and very cute. It would also make a great gift card holder. There will be different papers from the Bella Rose Designer Series Paper to choose from. Cost: $1.25


Kind Bloom: Featuring the Botanical Bloom Sale-A-Bration stamp set. This sweet card reminds the receiver "to thine own self be kind." Cost: $1.25

Wonderful Purple: I know there are purple lovers out there. This one is for you! It also features the Botanical Blooms set and you will be able to customize the greeting on the card too. Cost: $1.25

Feel free to bring a friend! I hope to see you there. Light refreshments will be served.

February Technique Night: Faux Metal

Yes. Believe it or not, that cute heart is just paper and embossing powder, not real metal. Come learn how to make your own faux metal embellishments that are light weight and easy to add to scrapbook pages, cards and any other paper craft you are making. We will be making a recipe card with instructions on how to recreate the look at home, this cute box, and a card.

WHEN: Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: My House
COST: $6 or free with a $25 purchase
RSVP: to me at 801-967-3210 or paula24@comcast.net by noon on Tuesday, February 24. (Technique club members already have a reserved spot!)

Hope to see you there!

February Scrapbook Layout Class

Here are the projects I am offering my Scrapbook Group on February 19. Right now the class is full, but if you are others interested in making the projects, I am willing to schedule a second class on Saturday, February 21, or Tuesday, February 24. Please contact me at 801-967-3210 or paula24@comcast.net if you would want to come one of these times.

The scrapbook page features textured card stock (background pages) and the Big Shot Serif Essentials alphabet (you can customize the title if you don't want to put Love on it). The card features items you can receive free during Sale-A-Bration.

Details on projects:
Love Scrapbook Page
Stamps: Love You Much
Card Stock: Kraft, Riding Hood Red Textured Card Stock, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red
Punches: Photo Corners and Heart to Heart
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Striped Ribbon

Sale-A-Bration Card
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches*, One of a Kind
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper*
Ink: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron
Punches: Scallop, 1 1/4, 1 3/8 Circle punches; Five Petal Flower; Large Oval
Accessories: Silver Brads, Certainly Celery Poly Twill Ribbon*

*Only available through Sale-A-Bration Promotion.

Photo Wallet

So what do I do with all my swaps? The gems get cased. I received a photo wallet at convention. I wish I knew who made it because it is gorgeous and has so much detail work on it. I would love to give someone credit for it but it got separated from it's label. And I don't even dare post a picture without permission from the original artist.

But I set out on Sunday to case it. I wanted to make it simple enough to offer at a class but still retain a lot of the charm of the original. The one I received also used the Always stamp set which I love and haven't played with enough. (Even that bird has grown on me.) So I was happy to use it on this project. I also used colors that are out of my normal pallet, but are starting to grow on me.

Here's my version closed:


When you open it up it looks like this:

And this is what it looks like when it all open:

You can find the directions to make it over in the resource section at Splitcoast Stampers.

Stamp Set: Always
Card Stock: Textured Kiwi Kiss, Coral Cameo, Chocolate Chip, Kraft
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Coral Cameo, Chocolate Chip
Punches: Corner Rounder, Photo Corner, 3/4" and 1/2" circle
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Ribbon

Swapping is my other Passion

You all know I love to create projects right? Last summer I discovered yet another way to create and share what I love to do: SWAPPING. I got so hooked that I signed up for 17 swaps at convention. Then I had to join Swappers Anonymous to keep me motivated to finish all those swaps. So what was the first thing this swap crazy group of women (who are also amazing and talented) decided to do: start another swap!

We've been keeping the tradition alive ever since convention. Our latest swap features items from the Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog preview. I used both the new Petals Pizzazz stamp set and the new Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper:


To add a little more pizazz, after I stamped the flower, I punched it out with the scallop circle and then carefully cut from the edge towards the middle between each petal/scallop. Then I bent up every other petal to give it more dimension. (Although I am sure when they arrived in the mail, they were all flat.)

Also, the sketch was inspired by a challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers.

Stamps used: Petals Pizzazz (SS IB&C pg 90), Wonderful Favorites (pg 133)
Card Stock: Kiwi Kissed textured, Red Rose
Printed Paper: Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper (pg 160)
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, and Cameo Coral
Punches: Scallop Circle
Embellishments: Dimensionals, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad

And for you neophytes out there who are wondering what a swap is and how it works, I will try to briefly explain. You have a group of ten people who like to make cards. Everyone makes ten identical cards doing their very best work and gives one to each of the other swappers. In return, you receive nine wonderful cards back plus you have your own. That is a very simple explination and it can be a bit more complicated, but that gives you an idea.

Out with the OLD, in with the NEW! Project Buffet

It's that time of year. Time for Stampin' Up to retire some old favorites and bring on some new ones. The projects for this class feature stamps and accessories that are retiring and/or brand new. And since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, some of the projects have a Valentine's theme.

When: Saturday, January 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Paula's House
What: Pick and choose which projects and cards you want to make and how many of each.
RSVP: By Noon on Thursday, January 15 to 801-967-3210 or paula24@comcast.net. Please let me know which project you want to make so I can have enough cut and ready to go.

Bring a friend and get a prize!

Here are the projects and their prices (Click on any of the pictures for a closer look):

These mini albums are called "squash books." This is what they look like on the outside and here's the insides:


There are two options available. One in greens and browns (masculine) and the others in pinks and reds (more girly). $7 each.For all you scrapbookers out there, here is a 2-page 12x12 spread featuring Stampin' Up's textured card stock, the yummy felt flurries (which will soon be gone) and a little bling. The picture sizes are noted. You could also put four small 3 3/4 inch pictures instead of one big one too. $6 for the two-page spread.

This mailbox features brand new stamps, paper and punches from the Love You Much bundle and some ribbon that will soon be gone. It's the perfect place to leave a little love note for your sweetheart or children. Or fill it with goodies and give it to a friend. $7 each.


This cute little treat box is made with the Big Shot Scalloped Envelop Die. Features new brand new printed paper (also from the Love You Much bundle). Comes with a bag of candy hearts: $3 each.


This set of 3x3 cards would go perfect in the mailbox, or just as cute little love notes for those special people in your life. All three for $1.50 (includes envelops).


Tic Tac Toe, three in a row means I love you! This card features a set from the Holiday Mini catalog that will soon be gone. It's a great Valentines card for that man in your life. $1.25.


Sending you my love. This card was inspired by one I saw on Splitcoast Stampers by GWTW Junkie (Alyssa). It also features stamps and paper from the Love You Much Bundle, the Scalloped Envelop Die and some crystal effects for dimension. $1.25
Wishing you a happy heart. This card could be used for Valentine's Day or for any occasion (heart surgery anyone?). Featuring a stamp from the Holiday Mini Catalog and some paper that will be around in the next catalog. $1.25.


Happiness today and always. This card was inspired by my dear friend and fellow demonstrator Amy Bell. There is nothing too old or too new on this one but I just love it. $1.25.


Friend to Friend. These little birdies are so cute and the card has new stamps and new paper on it as well as a retiring background stamp. Goodbye Paisley! $1.25

Flower Friend. This also features a brand new stamp set brand new paper. A little felt flower and a new way to use that scallop circle punch just add to this sweet card. $1.25.

The class is also a great time to pick up your brand new Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog, see the new Decor Elements brochure and get a preview of the Sale-A-Bration brochure. Idea Book and Catalogs are free to anyone who ordered more than $100 in product from the previous catalog, commits to one of my hostess clubs, hosts a workshop, or places a $50 order with me. If you just want to buy one, they are $5 with a coupon for $5 off your first purchase of $50 or more.