So Very...

sweet!

This cute little candy bag is perfect for your Valentine. This one was made for me by Lucie, based on a swap she received from Lisa Kind. The topper and tag are stamped with the So Very Sell-A-Bration stamp set. The colours are very unique - I would never think to put Real Red and Apricot Appeal together but they work really well together on this project! You could make this in any size - this one uses the Medium Flat Cellophane Bags (see page 218 of the Idea Book & Catalogue). Fill the bag with any kind of candy for different occasions... start thinking about Easter...

So, where has January gone? I can't believe it will be February tomorrow already... That means that there are only four weeks left in Sell-A-Bration. Don't miss out!

I'm off to stamp now... I have a "Scrap-A-Card" in my mind that I must make tonight. Can't wait to see it! Wondering what a Scrap-A-Card is? I'll post it on my blog this weekend so check back!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Another surprise in the mailbox!

Here's a card that arrived in my mailbox today! This one is from Karen Motz and is made with this wonderful Like it a Latte stamp set from the Winter Mini Catalogue. I love this set!

This card is so nice... Notice the other Winter Mini Catalogue products - the Loves Me Designer Series Double-Sided Paper and the Flirty Ribbon Originals. Oh, and look, she used my favourite punch - the Ticket Corner Punch. If you don't already have this little punch, you really need to get one - you will love it too! Karen has sponged around the edges of all the card stock with Close to Cocoa ink to age the paper. The cup and whipped cream have been raised with Stampin' Dimensionals to bring depth to this card. Thanks for the warm thoughts, Karen!

My "stamping time" tonight is being dedicated to cleaning up my stamping room... Do you find that sometimes you take so many things out that you lose track of where things are? Right now, I can't even see the top of my table! I'm not the only one that this happens to... am I?

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Warm thoughts...

Hasn't it been wonderful to see the bright sunshine lately? Although it comes with chilly nights, I sure love to be able to look and see something other than clouds and rain!

I spent a lovely afternoon with eight women who were here to stamp, stamp, stamp! Today was the first One Sheet Wonder class and it went really well. I was shocked to look at the clock when everyone had finished making their cards and see that it was only 3:00 pm! These speedy women made 10 cards each in only 2 hours! Of course, it helps that all the card stock is already cut, but it's also one of the advantages to using the One Sheet Wonder template. If you weren't able to make it today, watch for another One Sheet Wonder class to be scheduled in March.

This beautiful card was given to me from Lucie, a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in my group. She brought it to me on Monday night to cheer me up after not receiving my swap cards... I sure do have a wonderful Stampin' Up! family. I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many women who share this passion of paper crafting.

There's so much about this card that is worth mentioning... from the length of Flirty Ribbon wrapped around a strip of Close to Cocoa card stock to the corner details using the Square Steps Corner Pocket Punch to the little marshmallows that have been coloured in with a white gel pen. Thank you, Lucie, for sending warm thoughts my way!

And, thank you to everyone who has come to share this wonderful hobby with me - I love spending time with my customers and fellow demonstrators, so many of whom have become friends.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

More love...

This wonderful card is another of Alicia's creations! There are so many interesting elements to this card, starting with the strip of faux silk done with the Happy Hearts background stamp. The pieces of ribbon - Red Grosgrain and Black Gingham - compliment the card so nicely. The greeting is from the All-Year Cheer III stamp set and you might not see it clearly on the scan, but she's also added a greeting at the bottom from the Love Matters stamp set that says "the best is yet to be." What a perfect sentiment for a wedding card!

And, to wrap up this month's swap is this card from Robin. Robin has used two stamp sets - Loving Hearts and the hostess set called Tags So Much. The little vellum pocket that is used to attach the tag to the front is so cute and yet so simple - just a piece of vellum paper folded up and attached with two brads. I really like this idea and will certainly be using it on other cards or scrapbook pages!

Hope you are having a great weekend! I'm enjoying a quiet evening at home, watching some figure skating...

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

A wonderful surprise!

I had a really wonderful surprise waiting for me when I arrived home today... If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I had joined a swap with Stampin' Up! demonstrators from across Canada and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my cards a couple of weeks ago but they were lost in the mail and never turned up. Well, my fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators are very kind and generous... I arrived home to find four envelopes in my mailbox, each with hand-stamped cards and a brag book page that were sent to cheer me up from the missing swap cards! I felt so spoiled! Thank you to Alison Solven (my wonderful upline), Lori-Ann Bartels, Lisa Kind and Kim Lee for your thoughtfulness!

Alison sent four cards - here are two of them... The first one is made with the Leaves a la Carte Jumbo Wheel and the Carte Postale stamp set from the Winter Mini Catalogue. It's a really sharp looking card... I had been resisting ordering this stamp set, but it's going to be more difficult now that I've seen this card!

The next card from Alison is made with the Happy Harmony Sell-A-Bration set. You might not see the detail along the left side in the small picture - click on it to see it bigger. She's stamped the Print Pattern background stamp in Real Red ink then added white dots to the tip of each of the diamonds with her white gel pen. This is a really nice card.

Here's a card that uses the kissing technique - the Big Blossom stamped was "kissed" with the Canvas background stamp. This card was made by Kim... Notice how she made a little shaker box with a stamp from the Circle of Friendship stamp set. It's filled with Micro Beads.

Lisa made this card with the Very Punny stamp set. The little dots down the side were stamped with a stamp from the Fun Filled set - what a clever stamp to use with this cow stamp! The greeting is from the It's Your Birthday set. Such a cute card!

And, this fun card was made by Lori-Ann using the Bodacious Bouquet and Happy Everything stamp sets. I bought the Bodacious Bouquet stamp set when it first came out last summer but I've never used it (can you imagine?) because I just couldn't get inspired with a card idea. Lori-Ann has solved that for me! I really like how she used a punched out flower in the centre of her stamped flower to create some depth and add colour.

I am just thrilled to have these new cards to add to my collection and to share with you. Thank you to Lori-Ann, Lisa, Kim and Alison for these cards and for giving me such a nice surprise!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

More swap cards...

Here are a couple more cards from our recent swap. This first one was made by Maggie using the hostess stamp set called Blooming with Happiness and the word "forever" from the Wonderful Words II set. This card is really striking in real life. The layers of vellum paper bring softness to the card. I really like how she has added gold dots on the dress with the Zig Painty (page 224). A little detail to note - look at the scalloped edge at the top of the card. Maggie used the 1/2" circle punch to punch out several circles which she then attached in behind the strip of card stock that's at the top of the card. Another handy use for circle punches!

This next card was created by Suzanne. I think she might have been inspired by a Sell-A-Bration card sample - you can see this card on a previous blog post from January 14th. It's great to see how a basic layout can be "recycled" on another card with very different results. Change the stamp set or change the colours, add your own special touch (like the extra ribbon on Suzanne's card) and you have a similar but unique card. This card is stamped with the Olive You stamp set. Fun!

Well, I've had a busy evening and am ready to call it a day! Looking forward to the weekend!! : )

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Love...

I'm taking a little break from posting Sell-A-Bration card samples tonight so that I can share a few more cards from my downline group swap.

Here's one from Stacey the uses the Cute as a Bug set along with the Crosshatch background stamp and the Wonderful Words set. I like how fun this card is. It also reminds me that I haven't used my Cute as a Bug stamps in a while... must dig them out and see what I can create!

This lovely wedding card is Sonia's design. Here's the Print Pattern background stamp again...! This card is Blush Blossom - I didn't ever use this colour before but it's really growing on me! The main stamps on this card are from the set called Happily Ever After. Sonia added some Dazzling Diamond Glitter on the background of this card using Heat and Stick Powder.

Here's Melanie's card... I've always really like this greeting from the Curvy Verses stamp set - "Wishing you love and laughter forever after!" Melanie has used the Label Classics set to make the fancy little cutout border in the centre. The other pieces to this card come from the Today & Always Simply Scrappin' Kit. Oh, and the card here is... Blush Blossom!

And, this card is from Dawn. The colours have not scanned well - she has used Elegant Eggplant with Almost Amethyst. The background is stamped with French Script and the little church and greeting are both from the Fairy-Tale Wedding stamp set. I like how she stamped these onto Whisper White card stock and then laid a piece of Vellum Paper on top, securing it with two brads and tying a piece of Silver Cord at the top.

I'll post a few more cards from this swap tomorrow evening so be sure to check back!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

A New Little Someone

This card was one of the make and takes at our meeting last night... It was designed by Alicia. It's simply adorable! This little bunny stamp has always been one of my favourites. We stamped him in Night of Navy ink and then coloured using a Blender Pen and the ink pads - Bashful Blue, So Saffron and Blush Blossom (for the bottom of his little feet). The strip of So Saffron card stock was stamped with the Print Pattern background stamp in So Saffron ink and then the stitches were drawn on with the white gel pen. I thought it might be difficult to do the stitches free-hand but it was actually quite easy.

Here's another card that uses the Print Pattern background - I used the 2-Way Glue Pen to draw lines to stick Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on. This card is made with the Delight in Life Sell-A-Bration stamp set - don't miss out on this great set... It makes beautiful cards and looks wonderful on scrapbook pages.

This card is made with Cameo Coral card stock and ink. I didn't use this colour much but have taken a real liking to it lately... I used to have a hard time coming up with colours to use with it, but thanks to my Colour Coach, I discovered that it was more versatile than I thought. It looks really good with Ruby Red and I was surprised to see it combined with Apricot Appeal, Lavender Lace and Certainly Celery. Give it a try and see what you think!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Whew, what an evening!!

I had 11 other demonstrators in my downline over tonight for our group meeting... what energy we had in the room as everyone stamped 6 different projects in marathon time!! I LOVE getting together with other stampers and it's always such fun to be around my fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators.

So, I wanted to share a couple of our swap cards with you tonight... I'll post some more later as well so check back. We had a love/wedding/anniversary theme for this month's swap and I have to tell you that there are some pretty talented ladies in our group!

This first card was stamped by Lorraine. It is so cute in real life - can't wait for you to see it...!! Lorraine stamped the background with French Script. Then she stitched the So Saffron card stock to the front - this is not faux stitching... she actually used a sewing machine and her work is perfect! I love how she created the little gift box for the front with gold embossed hearts coming out the top. Lorraine is such a creative stamper and I'm always in awe of her beautiful work.

This next card is from Lucie. I have to thank Lucie for inspiring one of my latest purchases - the Cheesecloth background stamp which she has used on this card again! The little hearts on the front are very nice and sparkly - covered with Romantic Red Stampin' Glitter. This is a very unique card with such a neat use of ribbon and cord down the side.

Well, I better add in a Sell-A-Bration card for good measure tonight as well... Let's see... oh, here's one made with the Happy Harmony set that I haven't posted yet. And, it matches the colour scheme I have going in this post! I love the layout of this card - I find it so hard to do anything that's not straight when I'm making cards but this is just amazing! The card was designed for a swap by Allison.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Card stock storage solution...

I had an email today asking me about how I store my card stock. So, here's a picture of one of my storage bins... The bins are from Staples (similar bins are available at most stationery stores) and I have hanging files in them. We made tabs in the card stock colour and wrote the colour name on them. I find it a lot easier to find the colour I want with having the tabs in the corresponding card stock colours. I have the bins separated by colour family - I've had to expand to two bins for this, with two colour families in each. Then I have one bin for all my neutral colours and I've added the In Colour colours here as well. These bins come with lids too so if you aren't able to store them in a cupboard, you can keep dust out of your card stock and you can stack the bins if you need more than one.

I've tried lots of different ways to store my scraps... in one bin (too much digging to find the right colour though) and in the same hanging file as my full sheets (often became damaged by the larger sheets). I've now set up a fourth bin which is just for scraps - I have one hanging file for each colour in there as well but all the colours are in one bin. I've heard of other people who have their scrap hanging file right in behind the hanging file with the full sheets. This might make more sense, but I'm used to it the way I have it now, so I'm sticking with it!

I store my 12" x 12" card stock, Designer Series Paper and Simply Scrappin' Kits in Stampin' Up!'s paper holders as shown on page 235 of the Idea Book & Catalogue. Since I don't use the 12" x 12" card stock or papers as much, this works well. Note that the prices for the paper holders have been reversed in the Idea Book & Catalogue - the 8 1/2" x 11" paper holder is $8.50 and the 12" x 12" paper holder is $11.50.

It was a bit of an investment to get set up like this, but I do really like it. And, it makes it much easier and faster to find the card stock I need as well as to know when I'm getting low on a favourite colour.

Happy storing!

Bev.

Swapping... again!

Tomorrow night is my bi-monthly meeting with my downline group. As always, we will be swapping... this month's theme is "love, wedding or anniversary" cards. This is my swap card... inspired by a card that I saw on www.splitcoaststampers.com. It uses the Simply Said and the Looks Like Spring stamp sets. To make the red centre for the heart, I stamped with Real Red ink on Real Red card stock. Then I cut around the stamped image and adhered it with a Stampin' Dimensional. I think this would make a good Valentine's card for anyone special...

Here's another Sell-A-Bration card. This one is made with the Very Punny stamp set. Notice my favourite punch - the Ticket Corner - on this card again! The background stamp is Flannel Plaid. The card was originally created by a fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator, Debbie, for our swap. My cards didn't ever turn up in the mail unfortunately but Mom duplicated this card, along with some of the others that were in the missing swap - thanks, Mom!

I'll be back tomorrow evening after our meeting to share some more card samples with you!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Kissing tips...

Well, I must admit that if someone had told me a few years ago that I would be posting "kissing tips" on a website, I really would have thought they were crazy... but here I am doing it! Okay, "kissing" is a stamping technique so don't panic - it's safe to read this post! : )

Last night's Stamp-A-Stack featured two cards using kissing techniques. I thought I'd share some "how to" for you here. On this first card, the red heart in the middle is kissed. First, we inked up a corner of the Canvas background stamp with Real Red ink. Then, we pressed the clean heart stamp from Simply Said stamp set onto the Canvas stamp to pick up the Real Red ink. It picks it up in the design of the Canvas stamp so when you stamp it down, you have a patterned stamp! It's a good idea to breathe on the stamp before stamping with it to remoisten the ink.

This technique works best when you are pressing a solid stamp onto a patterned one... just imagine how many different looks you can get with one solid stamp and all the different background stamps! And, don't just think about the big background stamps - this will also work with stamps like By Design on page 160, Wonderful Weaves on page 162, the four sets shown on pages 164 and 165... there are probably lots more! In fact, if you look at the alphabet stamp in the Letter Patterns stamp set on page 165, you'll notice that it's actually printed backwards so that when you kiss a solid stamp onto it and stamp it down, you'll have the letters going the right way... it's like writing backwards and holding it in a mirror! You can see how they've used this technique on the scrapbook sample on this page of the Idea Book & Catalogue. You just need to make sure that your background stamp is bigger than the solid stamp you are using.

On this next card, we used a variation on the kissing technique. Instead of using the technique to ink the solid stamp, we are using it to remove ink from a stamp... Here's how:

Ink a solid stamp - in this example, the Big Blossom Sell-A-Bration stamp is used with Cranberry Crisp ink. Then, I used the little flower stamp out of the Little Pieces stamp set to press onto the Big Blossom and remove ink. The smaller stamp was clean and I stamped the ink off onto a scrap paper between each time I pressed it onto the Big Blossom stamp. You need to do this to remove ink from the little stamp so it can pick up more from the big stamp. Be careful not to let the little stamp slide when you press it down. When you stamp the Big Blossom stamp, the little flowers will show up lighter! Again, there are so many stamps that you can do this with... I saw another really nice idea where the small solid circle stamp from Simple Shapes had been used to lift ink from the Big Blossom. Any little stamp could be used - have fun!

Credit for this wonderful card goes out to Suzanne - I love the colours... Marigold Morning, Old Olive and Cranberry Crisp. The Twill Tape and buckle from the Antique Brass Hodgepodge Harware Kit are great accents. The Old Olive strip was stamped with the Weathered background stamp. Oh, wouldn't this background stamp be fun to "kiss" with?!!

Okay, one more "kissed" card that's been getting lots of positive comments... This one uses the Big Blossom stamp again. I inked the Paisley background stamp with Pretty in Pink ink and then "kissed" the Big Blossom onto it to pick up ink. Lots of little details to notice on this card... The Ticket Corner punch is used to notch out a little spot for some Pretty in Pink Brads. The paper piercing detail in all the corners is really nice. The clear button has a piece of Regal Rose card stock in behind it (punched out with the 3/4 inch circle punch). The Black Gingham Ribbon is actually thread right through the button and then tied in a knot of the front and the Pink Narrow Organdy Ribbon is then tied around it. The greeting is from the Happy Everything stamp set. A very elegant card that I copied from Debbie Olson. Thanks, Debbie!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my kissing tips... Have fun!!

Happy stampin' (and kissin')!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up)

We stamped a stack again!!

There were some very busy stampers over this evening... stamping 102 cards in less than 3 hours!! I had a great evening and really enjoyed designing some new cards for tonight's Stamp-A-Stack.

I thought I would share a couple of them with you tonight... The first one is a favourite of mine, although I didn't design this one! It's another layout that came from my upline, Alison. It's made with the Delight in Life Sell-A-Bration stamp set. If you've been following my blog posts, you'll probably be able to guess what really attracted me this card... yes, the Ticket Corner Punch! It's a great little punch to have in your collection! The colours on this card are Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery. The Whisper White card stock used on the top half of the card has been sponged with Pretty in Pink ink which gives it a soft background.

Here's another card that was available tonight. This one I did design after being inspired by this colour combination on some other samples I saw. The main card is Close to Cocoa. The printed paper strip down the side is from the Loves Me Designer Series Paper. It's featured in the Winter Mini Catalogue along with the Love Matters stamp set that is used on this card. I've also used Cool Caribbean and Taken with Teal card stock. The sponging in Close to Cocoa ink around the word "Love" really helps to tone down the Whisper White card stock... Sponging is one of the simplest but best techniques to use often!

The next Stamp-A-Stack is coming up at 7:00 pm on February 23rd or at 9:30 am on February 24th. Click here for more information and be sure to register early - this event fills quickly!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Happy Thursday!!

Hello... I'm sure not getting very creative with my blog titles this week!

Here's a beautiful card that was designed by my upline, Alison. I love the colours Alison has used - Elegant Eggplant, Almost Amethyst and Certainly Celery. This is another card with lots of little details that add to the elegance - the Slit Punch was used to create the little half circles on the sides of the main image and Certainly Celery Brads were added. The two colours of ribbon (Eggplant Grosgrain and Celery Narrow Organdy) tie things together nicely. And, the paper piercing on the bottom right corner of the main image is a wonderful finishing detail. Oh, by the way, the card is stamped with the Happy Harmony Sell-A-Bration stamp set - the flowers and stems were inked with Stampin' Write Markers and then stamped three times without re-inking to give the different shades.

I've spent an enjoyable evening creating some of the cards for tomorrow night's Stamp-A-Stack... I'll share a couple of them with you this weekend!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Punch a Scalloped Edge

Here's a great tip to use with your Small Corner Rounder Punch to make a scalloped edge. Before I show you how, here's the card that I made tonight using this technique... It's made with the I Like it a Latte stamp set from the Winter Mini Catalogue. The card is stamped in Chocolate Chip and Rose Red.

Here's how to make the scalloped edge. First, CAREFULLY take the guard off the Small Corner Rounder Punch - I've heard of people breaking the guard if they do this too quickly and without enough care...

Then line the punch up along the edge of your card stock and continue to move it down and punch until you've made the scalloped edge. You'll want to watch to be sure you're getting the punch lined up in the right spot and are keeping it straight. Isn't this a great idea?

Here's another Sell-A-Bration card made with the Delight in Life set... I love this set!! This one uses the Print Pattern background stamp and then I used the 2-Way Glue Pen to draw lines and stick Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on, creating an argyle look. The flowers are cut out and the petals curled up a bit to give the card some depth. This one is a little time consuming, but certainly eye-catching!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Happy Wednesday!!

Hello! I didn't manage to post yesterday because we were out enjoying one of my Christmas presents - tickets to The Rankin Family concert - and got home very late!! So, I'll make up for it with an early morning post and will be back tonight to share another Sell-A-Bration card...

Isn't this card beautiful? My Mom stamped it and I was so impressed when I saw it. The colours are wonderful - Cranberry Crisp accented with Brushed Gold and Basic Black. Notice how she used a handheld rectangle punch to notch out a little spot for the cord to be wrapped around at the top and bottom. Along with the Delight in Life Sell-A-Bration Stamp set, she used the Little Sayings set from the Winter Mini Catalogue. This set has such nice greetings.

Well, I must run and get ready for work... Enjoy!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Exciting news!!

Let's start with the Sell-A-Bration sample for today first and then I'm going to share some really exciting news with you!

This layout idea comes from Stacey again... the colours are beautiful and so different from what I normally use. The main card is Taken with Teal and the accent colour is Apricot Appeal. The Hodgepodge Hardware add a nice touch - a great way to attach a little piece of ribbon! When I copied this card from Stacey's sample, I chose a greeting from the Small Sayings stamp set - "thanks for making me smile." This set is in the Winter Mini Catalogue.

Okay, let's get to the exciting news!

You can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $137!!

Until February 28th, you can take advantage of an exciting new Mini Starter Kit for only $137 as an alternate to the $275 Standard Starter Kit! The money-saving Mini Starter Kit is ideal for long-time stampers who already have a collection of Stampin' Up! products and just need business supplies to get going in their own Stampin' Up! business. And, as a special bonus, you will also receive the Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set (a $24.95 value) for FREE! You can see card samples made with this set in my blog post from January 6th - click here.

The new Mini Starter Kit contains the following stamping supplies:

~ Greetings Galore stamp set (page 65 in the Idea Book & Catalogue - or choose any current stamp set valued up to $39.95)
~ the new Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set (will be in the Spring Mini Catalogue)
~ 1 package of assorted 8-1/2" x 11" card stock (you choose the colour family)
~ 1 package of 8-1/2" x 11" Whisper White card stock
~ 1 Classic Stampin' Pad (you choose the colour)

And, all of the same business supplies contained in our Standard Starter Kit, including:

~ First Impressions DVD
~ Getting Started DVD
~ Getting Started Guide/Folder
~ Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
~ Idea Book & Catalogue (8)
~ Seasonal Mini Catalogue (8)
~ Heartfelt Thanks Inspiration Sheets
~ To My Hostess Envelope (10)
~ Recruit Folders (5)
~ Recruit Brochures (20)
~ Demonstrator Manual CD
~ Independent Demonstrator Agreement and Application (5)
~ Starter Kit Order Form (5)
~ Hostess Benefits Form (10)
~ Customer Order Form (50)
~ Exchange Order Form (3)

Find out more here. I would be happy to talk with you more about this amazing opportunity and the benefits of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including saving 30% on your first order as a new demonstrator! I would love to welcome you to my downline group! Please contact me at bevennis@shaw.ca if you would like to learn more!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

One month to Valentine's Day...

Can you believe it's almost the middle of January? Where is time going?!! It's one month to Valentine's Day so I thought I would post a card to help inspire your creations for the loved ones in your life. This card is actually the one that my Dad made for my Mom last year. He asked me to make him a card for her and I told him that I would help him make a card himself! So, he did. My Mom loves buttons so he wanted to incorporate a button onto the card - I think we did well! I'll post a few other Valentine's cards over the next few weeks so keep checking back!

Here's the Sell-A-Bration sample for today. This is another made with the Happy Harmony set. Credit for this layout goes to another Stampin' Up! demonstrator by the name of Mary. She picked some wonderful colours for this card (Cranberry Crisp and Mellow Moss) and put things together in a really unique way. The touch of Stitched Grosgrain really adds to the card. By the way, remember that the three colours of Stitched Grosgrain - Cranberry Crisp, True Thyme and Vintage Violet - that were in the Holiday Mini Catalogue are still available until June 30th.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

We Sell-A-Brated!!

Wow! What a wonderful day!! Thank you to everyone who came out to my Sell-A-Bration Open House today. It was so great to see each of you. It was certainly a busy day - a special thanks to everyone for their patience, especially this afternoon when we were suddenly "standing room only". So much for my comment that the afternoon is normally quieter! I was so impressed by all of the beautiful cards that were stamped - everyone did such a fantastic job!!

For those of you who weren't able to join us today, here are the three make and take cards that we had... This first one is made with the Big Blossom Sell-A-Bration stamp along with the Riveting hostess set. The circle greeting from the Riveting stamp set makes a nice centre for the flower. The little flowers at the bottom are the centre of the Riveting stamp punched out with 1/2" circle punch.

This next one was originally made by Eleonor, another Stampin' Up! demonstrator who was in the big card swap... I really like the colours on this card - Tempting Turquoise and Gable Green. The bottom piece of Tempting Turquoise card stock is stamped with the Aida Cloth background stamp. The little strip of Gable Green card stock almost looks like ribbon and the brads add a nice accent. The top is stamped with the Seeing Spots set. The little fish is from the Very Punny Sell-A-Bration stamp set. Such a fun card!

The third card is stamped with the Happy Harmony Sell-A-Bration stamp set - this might be my favourite of the Sell-A-Bration sets. This card looks better in real life than the scan... The main card is Very Vanilla which I stamped with the "splatter" stamp out of Itty Bitty Backgrounds in Lavender Lace after I had stamped the greeting - I stamped it several times before re-inking so that I would get differents shades. The Lavender Lace strip is also stamped with the Itty Bitty Backgrounds. The flowers were inked with Stampin' Write Markers - Lavender Lace and Mellow Moss and then the card stock was sponged around the edge with Creamy Caramel ink.

So, I know some of you are waiting to hear the outcome of the door prize draws. First, let me tell you that I decided to make up three more prizes since we had so many people come today! So, there are five winners!! The names drawn for the three new prizes are... Colleen H., Val and Hollie! One basket of stamping goodies goes to Jamie and the grand prize basket was won by Carol Lynn! Congratulations to all the winners!! : )

Here's a photo of part of the displays today... there were lots of cards, scrapbook pages and other stamped projects out for everyone to look at.

Thanks again for sharing in another day of stamping with me. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Open House tomorrow...

Don't forget that my Sell-A-Bration Open House is tomorrow - Saturday, January 13th from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. It's usually busier in the morning so if you want to avoid the rush, an afternoon visit will be great! Come and go at anytime... You'll be able to stamp 3 new cards featuring Sell-A-Bration sets for $1 each. And, there are wonderful door prizes that you can enter to win! Hope to see you tomorrow!

I'm posting today's card sample a bit early because we are going to Abba-Mania tonight...!! I'll probably be humming "Mamma Mia" all morning tomorrow - at least you'll know why now!

This card sample is thanks to another generous person in my life, Stacey. Stacey and I met just over a year ago at a stamping class, then she invited me to do a stamping class at her house with her friends and family and shortly after that she decided to sign up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I'm so happy to have Stacey as a member of my downline (along with all of the other amazing women who I'm so fortunate to have in my group). So, Stacey heard about my disappointment with my swap cards going missing in the mail and she gave me an extra of the card she had stamped for this swap.

There's a very unique colour combination on this card and it works really well - Cool Caribbean, True Thyme and Rose Red with Basic Black. In addition to the So Very Sell-A-Bration stamp set, Stacey has used the Paisley Background stamp and the Heartfelt Thanks set. A little sponging, paper piercing and the Ticket Corner punch add the finishing touches on this card.

I'll be back on Saturday after my Open House with some photos from the event and I'll announce the winners of the door prizes here! Check back in the early evening to get the news!

Oh, and I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has been posting comments - I love to hear your feedback and just to know that you're out there looking at my blog!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

It's the little things...

I was expecting to receive my swap cards in the mail on Tuesday, but the mailbox was empty... I figured they'd come yesterday, but nothing again... and no luck today! Turns out they've been delivered, but not to me!! So, now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that whoever received the package in error will return it and it will make its way to me... there are 24 works of art in that envelope that I really want to see!

So, I stamped this card tonight with the Happy Harmony Sell-A-Bration stamp set. This is a card that was stamped at my upline's meeting this week - I'm not able to attend these meetings because they are in the lower mainland, but I saw the sample and really liked it! I think it was mostly because of the colour which is not something that I would typically stamp. Notice how the flowers were stamped along the bottom of the card in Tempting Turquoise and then stamped over in White Craft ink. It gives a really nice effect that provides a soft highlight.

Well, I have lots of things to get together still for the Open House so I'm going to get to that! Mom's been stamping sample cards all afternoon - can't wait for you to see them on Saturday at the Open House! I'm so lucky to have her help...!!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

What a day!

I sure hope that wherever you are, that you are safe and warm. What a day we had here in Victoria! Snow, snow, snow again! And, after clearing up this afternoon and even teasing us with a little sunshine, it's now snowing again! Oh well, I'm safe at home in my stamping room so I'm happy! : )

Today's Sell-A-Bration sample was made by Suzanne using the Delight in Life set. Suzanne always amazes me with how she can use her gel pen to make faux stitches on her cards... she does it by hand and I can't believe that she can get the stitches so even! Notice how the stitched grosgrain ribbon down the centre ties in so nicely with the faux stitching. Suzanne tells me that she had her hubby cutting out the flowers for her swap cards - isn't he a sweetheart?!! I can certainly tell that the Delight in Life stamp set is a favourite this year... lots of cards stamped with it!

I'll be back tomorrow with another sample. Don't forget about my Sell-A-Bration Open House this Saturday! I'm off to design the last make and take card for this - I already have one with the Big Blossom set and one with the Happy Harmony set. Can't wait for you to see them!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Sell-A-Brate everyday...

I'm going to be posting a new Sell-A-Bration card sample every day for the next couple of weeks! I expect to receive 24 cards from a swap that I was in with other talented Stampin' Up! demonstrators so thought I would share them with you here...

Since the swap hasn't arrived yet, tonight I'm posting one of my creations. It's another made with the Very Punny set. I've been wanting to do a card using the two Tag Punches and then attaching a Word Window Punch piece looped through a hole made with the Horizontal Slot Punch. I thought this would be cute with this little set. The colours were from my Colour Coach again (of course!) - Brocade Blue, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss and So Saffron.

I just finished my Techniques I class... We had a great evening and at the end, an "ah-ha" moment happened... Some of the ladies were talking about this Very Punny Sell-A-Bration set and how they really like the little images but would like to be able to use them without the words. They were sharing tips about how you can do this - covering the words with a Post-It note or tape when inking, wiping the ink off with a Q-Tip after inking or stamping off the edge of the pad... All good options, but then it was suggested that you could just cut the words off when you mount your stamps and put the words on the end of the wood block. I thought that I had shared this tip with all of my customers before, but apparently not. So, I thought I better post it here to be sure you all know that this is one of the greatest advantages (in my mind) to being able to mount your own stamps... I took a picture of some of the stamps from my Little Hellos set that I mounted like this. There are lots of sets that you could do this with... Greetings Galore is another that comes to mind. I also did it with my Friend to Friend set so that the greetings (Happy Birthday!, Thank You! and Thinking of You.) were mounted at the end and can be used without the quote if I want. It just helps to make your stamps that much more flexible.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Sell-A-Bration Open House!

I'd love to have you join the stampin' fun at my Sell-A-Bration Open House. Drop by to stamp three great cards featuring Sell-A-Bration products ($1 per card) and see lots of samples! Bring a camera along if you want to take some photos of the samples that will be on display.

There will be some amazing door prizes too... Here's a sneak peak at the two door prize baskets that I've put together!


One basket contains over $160 in Stampin' Up! products and the other has over $130! You'll receive one door prize entry when you attend the Open House and another for placing an order on January 13th - in person, by email or by phone on this day.

When: Saturday, January 13th from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (come and go anytime)

Where: Bev's House - if you need directions, please email me at bevennis@shaw.ca

Let's sell-a-brate!! I look forward to seeing you! : )

Happy stampin'!

Bev.