Sale-A-Bration ends soon!

We had a crisis at our house this weekend... no internet or email access! It was very frustrating!! I did manage to get onto my email a couple of times from another computer, but it wasn't always working either. We don't know what happened, but it's back this morning thankfully.

So, tomorrow is the last day of Sale-A-Bration. I will be placing my last order at about 8:00 pm Tuesday evening so if you want to take advantage of the free stamp sets, ribbon bundle, or Designer Series Paper, please be sure to have your orders to me before then. I think that email is safe again and I will respond back to you to let you know that I have your order, but also feel free to call if you want to be sure. I am not going to be home much in the next couple of days, but you can leave your order on my voice mail and I will get it in time to get the order placed.

I've received two entries for my card contest... It was very exciting to receive this first couple of entries and I look forward to receiving more! If you don't know the details of the contest, scroll down and you'll find them!

Here's a card that I made for my downline group swap. It's using the Branch Out stamp set with Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White. We made a similar card at a Stamp-A-Stack, but I changed the colours to brighten the card up a bit and used a different texture plate for the background - this one reminds me of the bark of a tree so it was perfect for the card.

Well, I have lots of catching up to do now that my internet is back up and running - good thing it's a day off for me! But first, I'm heading out for brunch with my hubby so I best go get ready!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

Welcome guest stamper, Tanya

This card is from my downline swap and is Tanya's creation. I love how she used the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die on this eye-catching card. She has also used a new stamp set called Oval All and the new Scallop Oval Punch, both from the Occasions Mini Catalogue. This card is beautiful - thank you, Tanya!

Okay, I have to get back to Dancing with the Stars... Have a wonderful day!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

A little stamping contest...

As I announced in my newsletter, I've decided to try something new... a stamping contest for my customers!! I'll give it a try and if it works well, we'll do it on a regular basis.

Here's the deal... you create a card based on a theme that I will announce here each month. Once you've made your card, take a picture of it or scan it and email it to me (bevennis@shaw.ca). Once the entry deadline is reached, I will hold a draw with one entry per card submission and the winner will receive a $20 credit towards stamping supplies of your choice (from the current Idea Book & Catalogue) plus a free hostess stamp set (I'll have a few for you to choose from if you win). There are a couple of simple but important rules though...

1. You must use only Stampin' Up! supplies - current or retired is fine.

2. When you email me the photo or scan of your card, you are giving me permission to post it on my blog (with credit to you - I will use only your first name or will not include your name if you request).

3. Your card should be your own design - it's fine, of course, to be inspired by someone else but try to change the colours or layout or stamp set if you are going to spin off from someone else's creation.

4. You must be in Canada to qualify for the draw.

So, let's get to this month's contest...

The theme is simple - a "spring" themed card.

Photos or scans of your card must be emailed to me by April 15th in order to be entered in the draw. I will announce the winner here on April 16th.

I hope you'll enjoy this new contest! Happy stampin'!

Bev.

Garden Greetings

This is a swap card that I received from my friend and downline, Alicia. It's made with the Garden Greetings set and I really, really like it! I don't own this stamp set yet but just might have to invest now that I've seen this card! I like how Alicia was able to use one of the Flower Brads in the centre of the flower. Thanks for the great card, Alicia!

I hope you had a great weekend... I can't believe it's almost over already, but I did enjoy it! On Friday evening, we went to see the Cadet Honour Band concert which was a very good show. Last night, we went to a hockey game although were sad to see the Grizzlies lose in overtime, and today I managed to get some housework and shopping done along with my homework for the course that I'm taking. One more week in the classroom and then I think I will look forward to going back to work!

If you receive my newsletter, you will know that my next Stamp-A-Stack is scheduled for Friday, April 24th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, April 25th at 9:30 am. If you would like to come, please email me at bevennis@shaw.ca to register.

I'll be posting details about my stamping contest tomorrow night so be sure to check back!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

Just Buzzin' By... again!

Here's another cute card stamped with the Just Buzzin' By stamp set. This is one that my Mom stamped as a house-warming card. These little bees are just adorable!

Haven't we been having a crazy weather week? Snow, rain, sun, more rain... yuck! I sure hope that spring arrives in good style with lots of sun!!

I'm taking a course for work this week and next so I need to do my "homework" now before I dash out for a stamping class this evening... It's hard for me to sit in a classroom all day so I am looking forward to the fun of stamping tonight!!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

One of my favourites...

This was one of my favourite cards from this weekend's Stamp-A-Stack. I love the colours together - Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip. It's such a simple card but it really catches your eye. There are actually 3 stamp sets used on this one - Pocket Silhouettes, Wow Flowers (for the greeting) and Itty Bitty Backgrounds.

I know that many of you are anxious to hear about upcoming classes... I'll be figuring out my April class schedule soon so watch here for details in the next few days. By the way, if there is a class that you would like me to schedule, please drop me an email to let me know!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

Just Buzzin' By...

Aren't these little bees just the cutest? My grandparents were honey farmers so this stamp set reminds me of them... it always brings a smile to my face!

This little card is so fun... and fairly easy. The bees are stamped in Basic Black then coloured in with markers - So Saffron and Basic Black. The little trails behind them are just dotted on using the Basic Black marker. I like the unique ribbon on this one - the 5/8" So Saffron Grosgrain is from the Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Sampler and then a piece of Black Gingham is tied around.

I hope you've had a good week! I'm starting to feel much better now and am looking forward to the weekend!!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

Two new cards...

I'll make up for not posting a card last night by sharing two cards with you tonight! I made a visit to the doctor this morning since I still wasn't feeling much better and it turns out that I have a sinus infection. Ughh! So, I'm now on antibiotics and the good news is that I should be much better by the end of the week. That's good because right now I can't hear much out of my left ear! I already feel like I have more energy though so I'm on the mend.

This first card is one that I designed for a class last week. It uses two new dies that I had not used yet - Beautiful Butterflies and Scallop Circle #2. I cut both out of Riding Hood Red Patterns Designer Series Paper. The little greeting stamp comes from the Trendy Trees stamp set and is punched using the Word Window Punch. The paper piercing in the corner and the Organza Ribbon add some nice detail.

I didn't realize that I had not posted this beautiful card yet... This was a swap card that I received from Tanya. As you probably already know, I love the Inspired by Nature stamp set. There are a couple of unique elements that Tanya used on this card that I really like - the 3 rows of Whisper White Organdy Ribbon are a nice touch and notice how she used both the Large Oval Punch and the 1 3/8" Circle Punch layered together for the greeting. Thanks for the great card, Tanya!

There are still seats available at Saturday morning's Stamp-A-Stack... We have 12 cards ready for this class and would love to have you join the stamping fun! Register by emailing me at bevennis@shaw.ca.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

Sorry, no cards tonight - I'm off to bed!

I've had a bit of a head cold for the past week and it's really catching up with me tonight so I am going to head to bed early in hopes that I can sleep it off! I'll try to post cards tomorrow night... I also have some orders here which I will arrange to deliver ASAP once I am feeling better!

Bev.

Still room in this weekend's Stamp-A-Stack!

So, yesterday, I began to panic about this upcoming weekend's Stamp-A-Stack, thinking that I would not manage to get ready in time... well, today has been a very creative day in our house and with my Mom's help, we have 9 cards done already! Oh my gosh, do I ever feel better tonight!! Thanks for your help Mom...

Now, the really good news is that there is still room in Saturday morning's Stamp-A-Stack so if you are not already registered, consider coming out for a morning of stamping fun! Just email me to register if you'd like to come (bevennis@shaw.ca).

Here's a sneak peek at one of the cards that we'll have at the Stamp-A-Stack. We'll also be using some new products, including the new Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die (page 202) which is now available. Oh, and I just finished designing a cute Easter card with the Wagon Full of Fun stamp set that is shown in the post below.

I'll be back tomorrow with a couple more new cards so be sure to check back. And, hope to see you at the Stamp-A-Stack!!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)

Thinking about Easter?!!

I know that I'm always anxious for Easter to arrive... it seems like such a long time between Christmas and Easter and I'm always ready for a long weekend, great food and special memories. Stampin' Up! is including some new Easter stamp sets in the next Occasions Mini Catalogue that comes out for April 1st, but, of course, if we wait to order these sets in April, it will be too late to use them for Easter cards this year. So, these sets are actually available for order now! You can click on the pictures to see the stamp sets larger.
I was looking at my blog today, surprised that a whole week has flown by since I last had a chance to post... Since my last post, I had a very fun-filled weekend while I looked after three special little kids. We packed a lot into our four days together - a trip to Play Zone, lunch at my favourite "Noodle Restaurant" as the kids nicknamed it, seeing Madagascar 2 at the IMAX, visiting the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo, and exploring Goldstream Park. We had a ton of fun!

I have a busy week ahead of me but will be taking some time to create some new cards for a stamping class on Friday evening which I will look forward to sharing with you!

If you do want to order any of these great Easter sets (isn't the 3rd set adorable and great for many occasions?), send me an email (bevennis@shaw.ca) or order online here.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

(All images copyright 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!)