So good to teach class again!

This past Friday was my first class in almost a month! I hadn't meant to take that much time off, but things in my family's schedule changed, so my class schedule had to change as well.

I can't believe how much we all missed class! We had so much fun, and we laughed so much! The class was a stamp-a-stack, and everyone loved the cards we made (see photos above). I just want to point out that on the Perfect Plum 'birthday' card, to enhance the gold embossing, I used the retired metallic pencils. Now I have to locate someone who's willing to sell theirs because my good customer, Anabel, fell in love with them! I also pulled out some of our retired gold narrow organdy ribbon ... might as well keep with the 'retired' theme on this card.

All 3 of these cards were based on samples I got from our Stamper's Showcase (a place on our SU Demonstrator website where we can submit designs to be posted & shared with other demonstrators). I made changes to each of them to make them my own, but the "Dreams" card didn't need much 'tweaking', so I'm going to give credit where it's due--the original design was by Kathryn Boresh.

I'll be repeating these 3 simple cards at this Friday's Kids' Class. This is the first session, and I think these classes are going to end up being huge! I can only hold one a month for now, because I'm also beginning a 10-week afterschool program at one of our five elementary schools. I'll have to update you on that after it begins.

In the meantime, I've got to prepare for my demonstrator's meeting this Wednesday night. This monthly meeting is one of my highlights because I get together with other demonstrator 'sisters' and we all have to design a project (anything but a card) using a specific theme or stamp set. This month, I'll be designing a project using one of the new hostess sets. It's also my turn to provide the project for the group, so we'll all be making my design.

Then, Thursday is my Techniques Class (still room if you're interested in joining us). I've got some great cards lined up, including one designed by my very talented upline, Karen Barber, where she used the new Valentine's Bundle. Just wait til you see it.

So, time to get busy.

Accessories Retired List

The retired list for the accessories was also released today ... you can click here to view it. Also, you can view the color flyer w/photos of the retired items in the Inventory Blowout Sale by clicking here.

Stampin' Up! keeps me hoppin'

Well, they did it again. Everytime I think I'm all caught up with their promotions, they go and announce another one! LOL

This time, they've announced an Inventory Blowout Sale (click on the link to the right) ... not only are some items from this catalog on sale, but they've also got stuff from last years' Spring-Summer catalog (old In Color items and ribbons I thought I'd never see again).

In fact, while you're clicking away, check out the retired list (you only have a matter of days left to get anything here ... new catalog is released Jan. 18th!), and the Valentine's Bundle.

Don't forget, you can order directly from my website now. But, if you want the SSTM (January's Stamp Set of the Month is Dreams Du Jour ... see previous post), you need to order directly from me to receive the 15% off discount.

Happy Shopping!

Dreams Du Jour Samples

OK, so I'm trying again. From here, it doesn't look like the photo is showing up, so I'm going to continue, and hope for the best.


This first cards was made by Michelle VanWiggeren ... I just love the colors she used. Believe it or not, she made the background using a brayer ... I never would've guessed. She also used Dazzling Diamonds, but it's very hard to tell in the photo. I'll just have to re-create it for you.


This card was made by Faith Celeste ... it's a very simple card, easy enough for anyone to make. I think I'm gonna try it using textured papers for my backgrounds.




Deborah Southard created this card. Not only is it stunning, but I wanted you to see what she did behind the stamped image ... can you see it? It looks like she used the Scallop Circle Punch on 2 different colors of cs and layered them. Clever.




This card was created by Kathleen Hilden. It's a striking card with all the colors, but it's really quite simple, quick & easy if you look at it ... the whole card is made with only Basic Black ink. Love this one.





And, finally, this card was created by Pamela Findlay. I love how she coordinated some of our Designer Series paper with the flower in the stamp. And, you know I love mosaics ... can't wait to play with this idea.




So, these are just a couple of the cards that made me 'HAVE TO HAVE THIS SET' ... you know that feeling.

Welcome to 2009!

Happy New Year everyone! Well, I've had a great break, but it's time to get back to work again! I'll start off with the new SSTM ... Dreams Du Jour (Pg.103 in the Fall-Winter 2008 catalog, Item #111624)! Ever since this set came out I've been seeing samples that I love, and I just had to get it and I know you will too. So, I saved this special set for January, so you can save 15% on it when ordering directly from me (since we're all broke after the holidays! lol). I want to share just a couple of the great samples that were posted on our Stamper's Showcase on our Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website. That's just one of the special perks we get as demonstrators ... other demonstrators who love to share their ideas and SU gives us a place to do it.

Well, I wanted to post some photos here of some great samples using this set, but for some reason, my blog isn't cooperating with me, so I'm going to post this now, but I'll be working on the problem, and I'll post some samples real soon!