Wild About You

Happy Tuesday Stampers!

We are down to the final week before Christmas!  My preparations have been a little lighter this year for various reasons and I have to say, I've enjoyed it!  I'm even hosting a couple card classes this last week and people are coming!  I guess we all need a small creative break in the midst of the hubbub...

I've been checking my photos for some cards I've made but not blogged yet, kinda a sweeping out of 2017 in getting ready for 2018.  I make so many cards that never quite make the blog for one reason or another, but some just get overlooked. Here's one today:

This card features some current products and some retired favorites. The elk stamp is from the "Nature Sings" set, featured in the Annual catalog, pg 115.  I will use the elk and tree stamps all year round, especially for masculine themed cards. After all, I live in Montana!  The "Wild About You" stamp is from the "Pieces and Patterns" stamp set featured on pg 41 of the Annual Catalog.  I also used the new punch from the Holiday Catalog for my sentiment, pg 12.    This card exemplifies one of my favorite creating techniques, combining completely random products that seem to go together for one creative moment.

I want to remind you of all the specials that are going on right now, however, it is Christmas and being realistic, I know you are in gift-giving mode for others and not necessarily yourself. Don't forget you can give or receive gift certificates for Stampin'Up! product through me. Just contact me and we'll get one set up!

Meanwhile, if you are so inclined, check out the:

CLEARANCE RACK

YEAR END SALES EVENT

HOLIDAY CATALOG- The Holiday Catalog goes away after January 2nd so be sure to not delay if there is still something on your wishlist!

Meanwhile, I hope your days are indeed merry and bright!
Sarah

Easy and Quick party favor, just in time for Christmas!

Hi friends,
I have a quick post for you today!  I recently needed to come up with some little party favors for some special ladies in my classes. I knew Stampin'Up! carried just what I needed.  My goal was simple, quick to make and sweet to receive. Here's what I did:

I used Stampin'Up! cute little clear treat boxes to start with. After assembling the boxes, I wrapped some washi tape around the sides. I then used a cute wooden embellishment from the "Around the World" suite and then filled the boxes with some sweet treats and added some ribbon!  These were cute, easy and not too huge. Sometimes, I've embarked on a party favor that ended up being too large and required tooooo much candy to fill!  While that's good to eat, it got too expensive to make a large volume of favors. This size box is perfect.

I plan to make some more!  You get 16 boxes in a pack (#141699) and that's quite a few!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

TBT Christmas Edition!

Hi Stampers!

Does this sound like you?  You get so excited to see all the wonderful ideas and products in the Holiday catalog in AUGUST!  You have dreams and visions of everything you want to make and you succeed in much of it. You add all kinds of new stamps, embellishments and lovely paper to your already substantial pile o' stuff. Then you blink and it's 10 days away from Christmas and you've barely scratched the surface!  UGH!!!

That's what I'm feeling today. Plus, I have the added UGH of absolutely loving so much of what I've accumulated in the past and not getting the chance to play with it some more!  I should probably spend a day or two on Christmas related ideas all year, just to feel like I've nailed it!

I recently gave some retired stamps and paper some extra lovin' as I wanted to make some cards to sell locally in the shops that carry my cards.  It's so fun to go back, switch things up a bit and see what happens.  Since it's Thursday, I'll make it Throw Back Thursday and show you some real treasures from prior years!  I hope they inspire you to check your stash and see what you have laying around!

That was fun!  I still have more ideas, but they may be put on the back burner until next year.  It's time to savor and enjoy Christmas and stop the frenzied preparations!

Have a lovely day this blessed season!
Sarah

Waterfront

Hi Friends,
I'm slowly checking out some new products that are coming up in the Occasions catalog on January 3rd. I hope you are excited!  I'll be able to feature a link to the catalog and the Sale-A-Brations brochure soon, so stay tuned!  For now, I've ordered a few things in the preorder period, one of the many perks of being a Stampin'Up! demonstrator!

One stamp set caught my eye right away, mostly because I felt it would lend itself to making Montana-related cards. It had mountains, lakes and pine trees!  It's called "Waterfront" and it is versatile in that the stamps can be used in several different ways. Here are a couple of examples:

On these two cards, I basically stuck with a similar color scheme but changed up my technique.  On the top card,  I stamped my images on Whisper White paper and tried to keep a clean look with plenty of white left over.  I added some sentiments that are included in this stamp set. On the second card, I stamped many of the same stamps but used watercolor paper instead. After I was completely done stamping, I spritzed the entire piece with water.  I used my heat tool to dry the water quickly and keep the ink bleeding to a minimum. As you can see, I got a blurrier effect that I really like, true watercolor!  I decided to not use any sentiments on this card as I felt the stamped piece could be a focal item all alone.  This was a fun technique that I hadn't tried before. I have inked up a stamp, then spritzed the stamp before stamping, but never spritzed the watercolor paper after stamping. I really liked the effect.

All sorts of goodies are awaiting us in the new year!  Meanwhile, many products from the 2017 Holiday catalog are on their way out!  Don't miss out if there's something you still wanted to get. There is plenty of time to still order. Think about some gift giving also for your crafty friends!  Many items are discounted to help you with your holiday budget.  Check out the store at the "shop now" link just to the right.

Hope you have a wonderful, creative day!
Sarah

Happy Birthday with Style!

Hi Stampin' Friends,
I have some really cute and fun ideas today for birthday cards with some tongue-in-cheek style. Perhaps you know someone that resembles these ladies, or perhaps you are these ladies!  Either way, they are charming for their joy of life, no matter what age!  Here they are:

I didn't buy this set at first because there were so many others I wanted but I knew eventually I would get them!  These stamped images are from the "You've Got Style" stamp set and I just love them.  They remind me a little bit of my grandma and her friends. They were an amazing, energetic, adventurous and little bit sassy group of widows from small town Montana that traveled the world in their later years. They were such an inspiration to me as I watched them enjoy life together and find silver linings after losing their husbands at early ages.

I want to point out that on the first card, I used the new alcohol markers, Sampin' Blends!  I especially like the ivory one for skin tones. I was skeptical because the skin colors always look off to me but this one really worked!  How fun was that!

Stampin' Up! has such a wide range of styles and themes for stamps. There is always something that is the perfect concept for anyone in your life. I love the variety and especially the freshness when new catalogs are released. Speaking of which, the new Occasions catalog is going to launch on January 3rd!  If you would like a copy  and live outside Gallatin Valley, contact me and I'll get one to you. Our annual promotion Sale-A-Bration is coming up too and that is the perfect time to buy and earn free products at the same time. More info is coming on that!

Meanwhile, I hope your day is full of style!
Happy Stampin',
Sarah

One Page Wonder

Hi Stampin' Friends!
I am back after a couple of weeks of not blogging. I don't have any great excuses, just some fun road trips and all the usual "Deck the Halls" fun that my family and I like to engage in. We decorate for Christmas... a lot! It's so fun to bring out treasures we have had for years and acquire a few new things almost every year. I also took a small box to the thrift shop of things I felt I could part with.

Anyway, I'm still here!  I've focused so heavily on Thanksgiving and Christmas cards that I thought you would enjoy something completely different today.  There is a technique called "One Sheet Wonder" cards where you try to make as many cards as possible from one 12 x 12 sheet of paper. I was thinking of a particular sheet of paper as the perfect choice to try this.  Here it is:

This whimsical and fun piece of Designer Series Paper is from the "Birthday Memories" pack. It would be fun to frame as a background, make into a shadow box, etc. I decided to try some fussy cutting and see what I could do with it. I used everything except a few small pieces of grass that I didn't need.  Here are the results!

As you can see, I added in some extras with more bits and pieces of the Birthday Memories paper, some Brights colored DSP and a balloon punch, some other punches and some stamping, mostly with the "Vertical Greetings" set. This stamp set is a MUST HAVE as it is basically the only stamp set we have with vertical sentiments and some times, that is the only thing that will work!

This was a fun idea and a way to challenge my creativity by trying to get as much use as I could out of a sheet of paper. I'll be thinking about trying this again some day!

You can purchase the "Birthday Memories" paper and all the supplies I used in the online store. Simply click "Shop Now" or use the convenient supply list at the bottom of the post and click on any item that you are interested in.

BY THE WAY, today only, Stampin'Up! is offering free shipping on all orders. That means you could order one pack of dimensionals and have them sent directly to you with no shipping!  You can't beat that but the savings are even better if you have a bigger order!  Don't miss out!



I hope you are enjoying December so far!  Don't forget to craft!  I've already made several party favors and have more planned for my holiday table!  It's pretty easy to come up with another project that gets you stamping, isn't it?!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Gather Together and Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving Stamping friends!

Today's the day we typically gather with friends and family and enjoy a day of good food and conversation. I'm not so naive as to believe that all Thanksgiving days are picture perfect but most of us have much to be thankful for and I am grateful for a day dedicated to gratitude.  Here's my list:

1.  Thankful for my dad who is still with me, almost 90 years old. We will be having meal #1 with him at noon.
2.  Thankful for my husband and kids who love me so well and love each other every day of the year.
3.  Thankful for the beauty and adventure of Montana, the place we call home.
4.  Thankful for so many friends over so many years that I'm still in touch with, thanks a lot to Facebook!  You have all impacted my life in so many ways.
5.  Thankful for my faith in the Lord and His many blessings to me, His steadfastness in storms and His watchful care.
6. Thankful for my Stampin'Up! friends, customers, fellow demonstrators and the corporate office for their inspiration, creativity, encouragement and kindness.
7.  Thankful for dogs... all of them.
8.  Thankful for a short drive to Billings later today and meal #2 with our kids and their in-laws.

I know there is more, but that list is what I came up with in about 30 seconds!  I just have one card today, representing my hopes and wishes for you... spending some time with those you love, gathering and giving thanks.

Have a blessed day of thankfulness!
Sarah

Life is Beautiful at Thanksgiving!

Hi Stampers!
I'm returning to one of my favorite sets again during this lovely fall season of the year.  It's "Colorful Seasons" (# 145348) and I love everything about it!  Here's my card today:

Of course I had to use the Adirondack chair in my fall scene.  Are you curious about the pumpkins?  They are featured in the "Painted Harvest" Designer Series paper and yes, I hand cut them out. With dies and framelits, we get a little spoiled but it's okay to grab scissors and do some cutting the old-fashioned way!  My background papers are from the "Coffee Cafe" Designer Series paper pack. I think what I love about this card is that it looks peaceful, contemplative and a perfect place to spend some time. There is probably even pumpkin spice wafting in the air!

Here are some more cards I've made with the "Colorful Seasons" set:

That is just barely scratching the surface of what this stamp set/framelit bundle can do!  It was my number 1 "must have" from the Annual Catalog this year! It's especially valuable to me when I can use it for so many ideas.

I'll be back tomorrow with some Thanksgiving inspiration! 
Until then, happy stampin'!
Sarah

O Christmas Tree

Hey there Stampers!
This is such a fun time of year. I love to craft, decorate, eat and smell all the traditions of the holiday season. Christmas has become a big industry no doubt. On some level that bugs me because that's not really capturing what the true meaning of Christmas is. On another level, I am inspired and amazed by store displays, people's house decorations, music programs, theater productions which all revolve around the theme of Christmas. We are saturated in it almost whether we like it or not. I am guilty of really diving into Christmas in many ways. Decorating the home is something I grew up with and have carried it much further than my mom ever did. She was not a crafter and I am. Hence, many years, we go crazy. My kids and husband have adopted my enthusiasm and there is probably no turning back at this point!

In the midst of the hubbub, simple can be inspiring and heartfelt in so many ways. Everything doesn't have to be a big production, including a handmade card. The cards I have for you today are simple and uses few gadgets and tools. It's okay to get back to the basics of ink and paper!

These both feature the "Season Like Christmas" stamp set. This is a 4 part stamping set which includes the trunk, two stamps for evergreen branches and then a stamp for ornaments (or snow as I did in the 2nd card). The sentiments are lovely and in a great font.  It would be relatively easy to create a whole stand of pine trees, but one solitary pine tree for Christmas can highlight the beauty of the season.   My first card features a traditional color scheme with Real Red and Emerald Envy. The second card is not so traditional with Fresh Fig and Tranquil tide. I love them both! It is not too late to begin a Christmas project of your own. Check out the Holiday catalog for some inspiration. There is a link to the right that will take you right there!  If you see something you want, you can go to the "shop now" link and order from the convenience of your own home. No point in getting out in that traffic, right?!

Don't forget the Online Extravaganza sale is continuing!  There are many products from the last couple of years that are on special discount from now through November 2th.   Go to this link for the complete lineup!

Online Extravaganza 2017!!

Believe it or not, I've almost blogged most of my projects that I've been making this fall, so it's time to make some more!  Yeah!! More time in ink, rubber and paper!  Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check back regularly and see what I'm up to!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Online Extravaganza starts TODAY!

Hey stampin' friends!
I hope you had a lovely weekend and are all set to head into Thanksgiving!  I heard a great sermon yesterday at church about thankfulness that really got me thinking. What stuck with me is that we can get a lot of stuff right in our day to day lives, i.e. how we speak, treat people, choices we make, etc and still not be thankful to God for all His blessings. As I'm heading towards Thursday, I am meditating on what I am grateful for and not what is wrong or what is missing from my life. I imagine there will be quite a lot as I think it over.

I don't want to trivialize the bigger picture of living a life of gratitude but I do want to say I'm grateful for what Stampin'Up! has introduced me to and brought into my life. First and foremost, I have met people who I otherwise would probably not have met and many of them have become very good friends! My days are definitely richer by the social interaction I have received around the subject of stamping. I'm also grateful for a creative outlet that satisfies that urge in me, which I've had most of my life. I love to make things. Almost anything!  Stamping has been a perfect fit for me because I can use my creative impulses in a positive and rewarding way, growing in ways I never imagined. It's also an opportunity for me to show hospitality and generosity to my customers, downline team and others with my classes, promotions and freebies. I love it all and am grateful!

I wanted to share the big news about Online Extravaganza that starts today!  There are some select stamp sets that are on sale only today. Here's a list:

ITEM #	DESCRIPTION	RETAIL PRICE	DISCOUNT PRICE
139891	Remarkable You Wood	$45.00 USD/$59.00 CAD	$36.00 USD/$47.20 CAD
139894	Remarkable You Clear	$33.00 USD/$44.00 CAD	$26.40 USD/$35.20 CAD
140643	Bloomin Love	$17.00 USD/$21.00 CAD	$13.60 USD/$16.80 CAD
143775	Celebrate You Wood	$25.00 USD/$33.00 CAD	$20.00 USD/$26.40 CAD
143778	Celebrate You Clear	$18.00 USD/$24.00 CAD	$14.40 USD/$19.20 CAD
142982	Cool Treats	$27.00 USD/$33.00 CAD	$21.60 USD/$26.40 CAD
138682	You're so Sweet Wood	$27.00 USD/$35.00 CAD	$21.60 USD/$28.00 CAD
139440	You're so Sweet Clear	$19.00 USD/$25.00 CAD	$15.20 USD/$20.00 CAD
143949	Garden Girl Wood	$27.00 USD/$35.00 CAD	$21.60 USD/$28.00 CAD
143952	Garden Girl Clear	$19.00 USD/$25.00 CAD	$15.20 USD/$20.00 CAD
143740	Good Vibes Wood	$27.00 USD/$35.00 CAD	$21.60 USD/$28.00 CAD
145080	Good Vibes Clear	$19.00 USD/$25.00 CAD	$15.20 USD/$20.00 CAD
142871	Super Duper Wood	$27.00 USD/$36.00 CAD	$21.60 USD/$28.80 CAD
142874	Super Duper Clear	$19.00 USD/$25.00 CAD	$15.20 USD/$20.00 CAD
138764	Heartfelt Sympathy	$17.00 USD/$21.00 CAD	$13.60 USD/$16.80 CAD
144865	Every Good Wish	$18.00 USD/$24.00 CAD	$14.40 USD/$19.20 CAD
144862	Every Good Wish	$25.00 USD/$33.00 CAD	$20.00 USD/$26.40 CAD
144870	Good Tidings	$21.00 USD/$26.00 CAD	$16.80 USD/$20.80 CAD
142954	Milestone Moments	$21.00 USD/$26.00 CAD	$16.80 USD/$20.80 CAD
143689	More than Chocolate	$17.00 USD/$21.00 CAD	$13.60 USD/$16.80 CAD
140653	Number of Years	$27.00 USD/$33.00 CAD	$21.60 USD/$26.40 CAD
140386	Oh What Fun	$21.00 USD/$26.00 CAD	$16.80 USD/$20.80 CAD
141934	Touches of Texture Wood	$45.00 USD/$69.00 CAD	$36.00 USD/$55.20 CAD
143251	Touches of Texture Clear	$33.00 USD/$44.00 CAD	$26.40 USD/$35.20 CAD

Be sure to look these over!  There are some favorites of mine including Number of Years, Touches of Texture,  Good Tidings and Remarkable You which is an awesome set for coloring with the new Stampin' Blends.  

There is more on sale as well, all week, but the stamps are only today so I wanted to bring those to your attention!  Check out this link for the entire sale:

Online Extravaganza !

I know this is a hectic week and of course it can end up becoming a prelude to Christmas and all those preparations and plans. Let me know if there is anything you would like from this sale and I'll take care of ordering it for you!  I'll be placing an order by 5 o'clock tonight for the stamps (plus anything else on the sale that people already know they want) and you can jump on the group order if your total is less than $150. If it is more than $150, it's best for you to place an order yourself and reap the Stampin' Rewards for you!

Thanks so much for your friendship and business!  I truly appreciate you!

Blessings,

Sarah

Happy Anniversary

Hi Stampers!
For several weeks, I've been bouncing back and forth between fall/Thanksgiving related cards and Christmas cards. It's good to not forget there are other reasons to create a special card like a anniversary for a special couple!  I thought the "Half Full" stamp set would be a perfect theme. Here's what I came up with:

My background paper is a piece from a retired Designer Series Collection but the rest of the card is all current products. I used some of the new Stampin' Blends to color in a bit of the glass of wine and the wine bottle. I wanted to keep this subtle overall and was really happy with the results. To go along with the current time of year, I added the silver foil snowflake!

Here are a couple of more ideas, also using this wonderful set!

Anything "wine" themed is really popular so this could be a often-used stamp set for many occasions.

Speaking of occasions, we will be gearing up for the launch of the Occasions Catalog on January 3rd!  That is a little ways off, but soon I'll be getting my hands on some products from that catalog and start to showcase some ideas.  It seems like a crafting year really goes by fast, doesn't it.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I try to create projects that are delightful to look at, interesting to create and easy to replicate. I would love to expand my customer and demonstrator base so contact me if you would like to know more about Stampin'Up!  It looks like an amazing fun and creative opportunity, which it is, but it is also the best therapy available. Working with your hands to create something handmade is unparalleled in providing satisfaction to those who create and love and paper hugs to those who receive the creation. The options are endless for any style or budget so jump in!

Have a great day today!
Sarah

Huge News! New Tool !! The Stamparatus

Hey Stampers!
Boy did we get an early Christmas present from Stampin'Up!  Actually it is the promise of a present that will arrive around February 1st!  It's a new tool called the Stamparatus!  It's a stamping platform that allows you to mount red rubber and photopolymer stamps and stamp with perfect positioning every time. You can introduce multiple colors, multiple stamps and have awesome results that take out the "eyeball it" method which is my former go to method or using the Stampamajig which is somewhat cumbersome.  Here is more information!

Isn't that exciting!  You will be able to reserve one for delivery in February during November 16-30. Go to the online store and select "reserve". You do need a credit card to reserve the Stamparatus however, your credit card will not be charged.

For you long time stampers, you also know that Sale-A-Bration is just around the corner!  When it's closer to February, you will be able to add to your Stamparatus order to get a SAB freebie!  I will be watching all of this and remind you what you need to do and how to get the most benefit out of all the promotions.   The Stamparatus will be in the 2018-2019 catalog for regular ordering as well but you can get it sooner with the reserve system. I'll share more details in the coming days!



This is very exciting!  Did I mention it's only $49?  That's a great price for a tool you will use over and over again!

Watch my blog for more!  There are so many things going on right now I will probably be blogging more than once a day ;)

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah