Playing with On Board Accents

Last week, I had a request to use On Board Accents at a hostess' stamping class... Here's the card that we made. It's certainly bright and cheerful! And, it's actually quite a simple card. To start, we got the On Board Accent piece ready by sanding off the little bits that are left after it is punched out. Then we used a sponge dauber dipped in Old Olive Craft Ink to add colour - you can use the Classic Inks for this too but the colour will not usually come out as vividly. We set that aside to dry while we worked on the rest of the card. The flowers are stamped on Whisper White card stock using the Sweet Stems stamp set. Then we used Cameo Coral, Rose Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers to colour them in. The Designer Series Paper is from the Raspberry Tart package. And, we finished it off with a greeting stamp from the Thank You Kindly set and piece of Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.

There is still room in the upcoming Stamp-A-Stack - two seats are available for Friday, March 13th at 7:00 pm and there is lots of space for Saturday, March 14th at 9:30 am. Email (bevennis@shaw.ca) to register.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Cleaning out the cupboards...

Before the weekend, we cleaned out the cupboards and found a whole lot of retired stuff that I was ready to part with... it's not easy because I love and have enjoyed many of these stamp sets, but I have so many and I keep adding more so I need to make room! Many found new homes with happy stampers yesterday, but there are lots left. If you would like any of these sets or wheels, just drop me an email (bevennis@shaw.ca) and I'll set them aside for you. It's first come so don't wait!

A Beautiful Thing (mounted – never used) $12
A is for Adorable (mounted – never used) $12
A Light Heart (very good shape) $16
A Little Love (like new) $7
A to Z Accents (mounted – never used) $14
Ageless Adornment (well loved) $20
Aida Cloth (very good shape) $14
All God’s Children (very good shape) $20
All I Have Seen (well loved) $12
All Occasions (like new) $20
All Through the Year (mounted – never used) $14
All-Year Cheer III (very good shape) $26
Along the Same Lines (very good shape) $14
Alphabet Soup (very good shape) $8
Alphabits (like new) $12
Alphadots (mounted – never used) $20
Announcements (like new) $20
Baby Jesus is Born (very good shape) $14
Baby Talk (like new) $20
Background Basics (well loved) $10
Background Sampler (like new) $8
Be Happy (like new) $14
Best Fiends (mounted – never used) $18
Big Blossom (not mounted) $8
Big Pieces (mounted – never used) $20
Birthday Banter (like new) $20
Birthday Whimsy (not mounted) $8
Birthday Whimsy (very good shape) $8
Bold Butterfly (like new) $23
Brushstroke Alphabet & Numbers (very good shape) $26
Bud Basics (good shape – some wood stains) $10
Business Memos (like new) $15
Buttons, Bows & Twinkletoes (very good shape) $22
Carte Postale (like new) $20
Cause for Celebration (mounted – never used) $15
Celebrate in Style (very good shape) $20
Cheery Chat (well loved) $22
Collage Alphabet (mounted – never used) $20
Cuddles & Tickles (like new) $14
Delightful Doodles (like new) $8
Doodle That (mounted – never used) $10
Double-Line Doodles (good shape) $19
Dream Come True (very good shape) $19
Elegant Beginnings (not mounted) $12
Everyday Celebrations (very good shape) $22
Everyday Flexible Phrases (very good shape) $25
Feathered Friends (like new) $24
Festive Favourites (well loved) $20
Festive Friends (very good shape) $8
Figures of Speech (1 stamp well loved, others like new) $18
Flannel Plaid (good shape) $14
Flowers & Flourish (very good shape) $16
Framed Greetings (like new) $21
French Script (like new) $14
Fun Filled (like new) $8
Fun Phrases (very good shape) $18
Gifts of Joy (good shape) $16
Greetings Galore (well loved) $25
Groovy Lines (mounted – never used) $14
Happy Hearts (good shape) $12
Hattitude (mounted – never used) $19
Hebrew Holidays (like new) $20
Holiday Hedgehogs (like new) $25
Holiday Minis (like new) $15
Holiday Tag Team (well loved) $19
Holiday Wishes (like new) $20
Hope Is… (like new) $14
Houndstooth (like new) $14
In Full Bloom (well loved) $19
In My Thoughts (mounted – never used) $24
Island Blossoms (mounted – never used) $25
It’s Snow Time (well loved) $22
It’s Your Birthday (2 stamps well loved, others like new) $26
Just Jeans (very good shape) $14
Just Like You (very good shape) $20
Little Layers, Plus (very good shape) $12
Little Somethings (very good shape) $10
Lots of Thoughts (like new) $8
Lots of Thoughts (not mounted) $8
Love Without End (like new) $18
Love Ya Bunches (well loved) $8
Loving Hearts (very good shape, some wood stains) $15
Madonna & Child (like new) $18
Merci (very good shape) $8
Merry & Bright (used once) $15
Merry Minis (like new) $24
Mini Mates (very good shape) $20
Mon Ami (very good shape) $12
Nice & Easy Notes (very good shape) $22
Noteworthy (very good shape) $7
On Gossamer Wings (1 stamp well loved, others like new) $22
On Safari (like new) $14
Paisley (like new) $14
Peace Be Unto You (like new) $18
Petal Prints (3 stamps well loved, others like new) $18
Phrase Starters II (like new) $8
Play on Words (like new) $12
Pocket Fun (like new) $18
Polka Dots & Paisley (very good shape) $15
Roses in Winter (very good shape) $22
Sassy Suzie (very good shape) $20
Shapes & Shadows (very good shape) $21
Simple Sayings (very good shape) $14
Simple Sayings II (good shape) $14
Simple Shapes (very good shape) $16
Simple Snowman (very good shape) $17
Simple Stripes (used once) $14
Simply Circles (very good shape) $12
Sketch an Event (very good shape) $19
Sketch It (very good shape) $20
Sleigh Full of Toys (very good shape) $19
Snow Angels (like new) $18
Snowflakes (good shape) $19
So Very (not mounted) $8
Soft Swirls (very good shape) $14
Something to Celebrate (very good shape) $19
Spring Gifts (like new) $20
Spunky Numbers (mounted – never used) $14
Stamped from the Heart (used once) $8
Star-Studded Season (mounted – never used) $22
Stipple Celebrations (like new) $18
Stipple Plaid (like new) $14
Sweet Shapes (good shape) $19
Tag Alphabet (mounted – never used) $22
Tag Time (very good shape) $15
Tagger’s Dozen (good shape) $12
Take Three (very good shape) $15
Terrific Tags (like new) $15
The Spirit of Love (very good shape) $19
Tidy Alphabet (mounted – never used) $21
Tiny Talk (good shape, few wood stains) $10
Too Terrific Tags (mounted – never used) $8
Trading Collection (not mounted) $20
Twill (mounted – never used) $14
Very Merry (used once) $15
Vogue Verses (very good shape) $14
Watercolour Garden (like new) $20
Web Wishes (good shape) $19
Well-Worn Words (like new) $14
Wild Hearts (like new) $14
Wild Rose ((like new) $26
Winged Things (good shape) $21
Wisecracks (mounted – never used) $20
Wishes Awash (mounted – never used) $18
Wishing You (very good shape) $18
Wonderful Weaves (mounted – hardly used) $8
Word by Word (never used) $14
Word Play (like new) $17
Word Search (good shape) $14
Year After Year (well loved) $25
Yule Bits & Borders (1 stamp well loved, others like new) $20

And the winners are...

Thanks to everyone who came out to my Open House yesterday!  It was a great day and so nice to see all of you.  

I know you are anxious to hear the winners from the door prize draw so let's start with that...

The winner of the Pretties Kit is:

Jessica!

This prize basket contains the Family Phrases stamp set, Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/2" Circle Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Filigree Brads, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and the new 5/8" Brads.  The winner is:

Yvonne!

The Grand Prize basket contains the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set, Photo Corners Punch, Star Punch, Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Build-A-Brads, Filigree Brads and the new Flower Brads Assortment and Fleurettes.  The grand prize winner is:

Naomi!

Congratulations to all of the prize winners!  I'll be in touch with you to arrange getting your prizes to you.  I hope you enjoy all of your new goodies!

I just want to mention that everyone who placed an order between January 30th and February 21st had their name entered into the draw as did everyone who attended the Open House yesterday. 

I thought I would also share the cards that we made at the Open House...  This card uses two Sale-A-Bration products.  The flowers and leaves are stamped using the Botanical Blooms set and the ribbon is the 5/8" So Saffron grosgrain ribbon from the Ribbon Bundle.  Card stock and ink colours are So Saffron, Old Olive and Close to Cocoa (plus Whisper White card stock).  I added a Word Window punch with two Vintage Brads to add a nice finishing touch to this card.  The greeting stamp comes from the All Holidays stamp set. 

This might be the simplest and quickest card I have ever made!  I used the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set, inked the tree in Always Artichoke and stamped it three times.  Then I inked the "Thinking of You" greeting with a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (because the stamp has more words under these and I only wanted this part of the stamp) and stamped it on.  Finally, the Very Vanilla card stock is matted onto a piece of Chocolate Chip card stock and then it's attached to the Always Artichoke card.  Tha

t's it!  And it's such a nice card!

The third card uses more Sale-A-Bration products.  My favourite Sale-A-Bration stamp set is the Polka Dot Punches.  We stamped the flower three times with Regal Rose ink on Whisper White card stock.  Then the flowers are punched out with the 5-Petal Flower punch.  We punched out two more flowers with this punch in Certainly Celery card stock to use as leaves behind the flowers.  A Barely Banana brad was added to the centre of each of the flowers.  Then they were arranged on a piece of Barely Banana card stock that was matted with Regal Rose card stock.  The third flower is attached with Stampin' Dimensionals to give some depth to the flower arrangement.  We used the great new Eyelet Border punch across the bottom of the Whisper White card stock and stamped a greeting from the Heard from the Heart stamp set in Regal Rose ink.  And, the Certainly Celery poly-twill ribbon is from also from the Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Bundle.  I love the soft spring colours on this card!

I do have lots of stamps left from my Rubber Sale...  I'll be posting a list of the remaining stamps here later today and they'll be available on a first come basis.  Be sure to check back!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Thinking of You...

A "thinking of you" card is just about the nicest of cards that you can send, don't you think? There's no special occasion other than telling someone that they're on your mind. I need to send a few of these...

This card uses the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set. As soon as I saw this tree, I fell in love and knew I had to have the set right away! This is the first card I made with it and I've made another that will be one of the make and takes at this weekend's open house.

For this card, I inked the tree in the Close to Cocoa ink pad then I coloured each of the leaves with the Always Artichoke marker. The "Thinking of You" stamp comes from the same set. I used the Sanded background on the main card - Close to Cocoa ink on Close to Cocoa card stock. And, I sponged around the edge of the Whisper White card stock before matting it with Always Artichoke. This is a very simple card, but it looks very nice.

Remember... Open House is this Saturday! It's going to be lots of fun!! I've designed three brand new cards for you to stamp while you are here. Details are posted below...

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Fifth Avenue Florals

This new stamp set makes such simple and elegant cards. This is a great colour combination that looks even better in person - it's Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss and Chocolate Chip. I stamped the white pieces onto textured card stock which gives such a nice effect.

Just a reminder that this Saturday is my Open House! The details are here. I'm looking forward to seeing lots of you!!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

I'm not really an orange person...

...but I do like this card a lot!

I was designing cards for a stamping class and decided that I needed to step outside of my box and try some colours that are unusual to me... I don't often think to use orange so it was quite an accomplishment to use Tangerine Tango as the main colour on this card! I used a new stamp set for the first time - this is Cheep Talk. I think the little bird is so fun!

I first inked the end of the branch in Kiwi Kiss, making sure that the leaves were all well inked. Then I used a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker to colour the branch. Once the branch was stamped, I stamped the little bird on in Tangerine Tango and the greeting in Pacific Point. This is a bright and cheery card!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Daisies!

So, what do you think about the bigger pictures that I'm posting on my blog lately? Does it make it easier to see the cards? Of course, you can always click on a picture to see a larger version... And, I'd love to hear if you prefer the photos or the scans of the cards... I can't decide which I like better.

This card was fun to create... I was playing with the Big Shot again using my new Daisies die. I cut two of the largest flowers and then layered them. The Designer Series Paper is from the Candy Lane package. I used Certainly Celery, Riding Hood Red and Barely Banana with it. The ribbon is from the Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Bundle - I really like this wide twill tape ribbon in Certainly Celery. The flower needed a little something special so I thought that the Build-A-Brad in the centre was just the right finishing touch. I stamped a scrap of Pink Pirouette card stock using the little stamp from the One of a Kind stamp for the Build-A-Brad. And I couldn't resist using the new Eyelet Border punch as well - I really love this punch!

I hope you have had a wonderful week... I am ready for the weekend and looking forward to going to the Tea Festival! And, I'll also be doing lots of stamping - making the cards for the Punch Your Art Out Class and for the Open House which is next Saturday, February 21st. Fun, fun!!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Loving the new Texturz Plates!

I always feel so bad when I go a long time between posts... I've just been really busy again and didn't have a chance to sit down to blog. Over the weekend, we had our special little baby here for a visit and it was such fun! And, this week, I've been working hard to get ready for some upcoming stamping classes. Thankfully, this means that I now have some new cards to share!

This first card uses the Sale-A-Bration stamp set called Polka Dot Punches. The flowers are all punched out using the 5-Petal Flower Punch and I've used this same punch for the leaves as well. The Riding Hood Red card stock is embossed using one of the plates in the Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plate set. The greeting comes from the stamp set called On Your Birthday. Along with Riding Hood Red, I have used Old Olive and Chocolate Chip card stock and Chocolate Chip Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

I made this card for the last Stamp-A-Stack and I absolutely love it! The Designer Paper comes from the new Raspberry Tart package. I've again used one of the plates from the Backgrounds I Texturz Plate set and it works perfectly with the pattern in the Designer Paper. The greeting stamp is from Say It with Scallops set - this is the Ronald McDonald House Charities stamp set and $2 from the sale of each of these sets goes to RMHC. You can see the set on the inside back cover of the Idea Book & Catalogue. The stamped image is punched out with the Scallop Square punch. And, of course, I needed ribbon and the new Organza was perfect for this card! Oh, the card stock and ink is Cameo Coral.

I will be back with another new card tomorrow night...

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Some Stamp-A-Stack cards

Here are a couple of the cards that I designed for last weekend's Stamp-A-Stack. I was really quite pleased with this first card. I adore these little birds from the Love You Much stamp set - I stamped them on Watercolour Card Stock using StazOn ink and then watercoloured them using an Aquapainter and Brocade Blue ink. I punched them out using the Wide Oval Punch. I was really happy with using the Heart to Heart Punch across the bottom of the Brocade Blue card stock so that you could see the Real Red card stock through. And, I had been inspired by Lorraine's card which I posted last week for the greeting - I wanted to use some Twill Tape and this was the perfect card for it! The greeting comes from the Holidays & Wishes stamp set and we stamped it on with StazOn ink as well.

This second card uses the new stamp set called Petal Pizazz. I have lots of these small Filigree Brads left after using several of the large ones on my Christmas cards so I was determined to include them on a card for the Stamp-A-Stack and this turned out to be an ideal solution! Many stampers commented on the unusual colour combination which is quite eye-catching - it's Rose Red, Always Artichoke and Elegant Eggplant. The greeting comes from the On Your Birthday stamp set although this card would certainly work for many occasions.

Remember to read about my rescheduled Open House in the post below... The date is now February 21st and I hope you are able to come!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Open House - RESCHEDULED

Due to another commitment, I am having to reschedule my Open House. New details below:

There's a brand new Idea Book & Catalogue and Sale-A-Bration is coming soon so it's time to have an Open House! I hope you will come out for some stamping fun...

When:
Saturday, February 21st
from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
(come and go anytime through the day)

Where:
Bev's House
(please email if you need directions)

Of course, there will be stamping! Come and create some fun new cards using exciting new stamp sets and accessories! There will be 3 loonie make and take cards... stamp them for $1 each!

Enter the door prize draw for some great baskets of goodies! Receive one door prize entry for coming to the Open House and receive another for placing an order. All orders received between January 30th and February 21st at 3:00 pm will qualify for the second door prize form - this includes orders placed online.

I'll also be having a big clearance of retired stamp sets and accessories... This will be the best of all "Rubber Sales" yet! Lots of retired products at very reasonable prices!

Gung Hei Fat Choy!

We've just finished celebrating Chinese New Year with a wonderful home-cooked Chinese dinner. I started planning the menu last week, then Mom and spent the afternoon cooking. It was very yummy! We started out with steamed dumplings complete with homemade dipping sauce. Then for the main course we had Longevity Noodles, General Tso's Favourite Chicken, Asian Orange Pork, Baby Bok Choy in Garlic Sauce, and steamed rice. And, for dessert, we had Chinese Almond Cookies which we had baked yesterday. It was such a fun day for Mom and I to cook together and then to share a delicious dinner together. I thought I would share a couple of photos from our Chinese New Year decorations and meal with you. The couplets were made last year by my sister, Leslie, and I. This is the first year we've hung them for Chinese New Year and they look fantastic!

Now, it's time for me to concentrate on getting ready for the Stamp-A-Stacks this upcoming weekend. I have four cards ready, eight more to go! I made this card for my swap with my downline and like it so much that I thought some of you might like to stamp it for yourself so am including it in the Stamp-A-Stack.

Friday night's Stamp-A-Stack is full but there are a couple of seats available for Saturday morning. If you are interested in coming out to stamp, email me (bevennis@shaw.ca) to register.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

I'm back with some new cards thanks to my downline swap! These are both great cards for the next big card-giving event: Valentine's Day.

This first card was stamped by Anne. Isn't it elegant? She used the Polka Dot background stamp and the Always stamp set. The colours are perfect for this card - Kraft, Whisper White and Riding Hood Red. I love how Anne embossed then cut out the two hearts, cutting the dotted outline off of one heart which gives such a different look.

This card is from Alicia. I just adore this little mouse holding the big heart. These stamps are from the Happy Heart Day stamp set. You actually lose some of the effect of this card in the scan because of its lighter colours, but it looks so nice in person. The main card is on Very Vanilla and Alicia has also used Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette card stock. The Designer Series Paper is from the Pink Pirouette Prints package. Such a fun card that could be used for Valentine's Day or as a really nice thank you.

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

It's here!

I've just placed my first order from the new Idea Book & Catalogue and now I can't wait until it arrives! Of course, I will prefer if it arrives on a day that my husband is not home... much easier to just get everything stored away in the craft room so he doesn't have to see it! : ) I know for sure that we are going to have a lot of fun with the Big Shot over the next few classes!!

I had a fun evening of stamping tonight. It was my downline meeting and we were all happy to get back to stamping after a little break... it was so much fun to get caught up with everyone after the holidays! Luckily, this means that I have some new cards to share with you!

This card was a swap card from Lorraine. Lorraine is always very creative and this card is another great showcase of her talent! Lorraine used one of the new hostess stamp sets called Dream a Little. It's probably my favourite hostess stamp set and I love it on this card! I really like how Lorraine used the Twill Tape on the card - I must use this idea on one of my cards soon as I have a lot of Twill Tape that needs to find its way onto some cards!

I'll be back tomorrow to share a few more cards and to give you all of the details on my Open House on February 7th. Be sure to check back!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

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

Last chance!

This is it... the very last day to order from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue. I will be sending in my last order at 9:00 pm tonight so if you need anything, please email (bevennis@shaw.ca) or call... I am heading out to use a Christmas gift certificate at the spa this afternoon!! So, I'll be out from about 1:30 until 4:30, but will be around the rest of the day. Be sure to scroll down for details of the retiring stamp sets and accessories...

I'm cleaning up my stamping room right now and when I get home, it's time to get busy stamping again! I'm so looking forward to it! I'll be posting some of my new creations and cards from my downline meeting this week... finally something new to look at! : )

And, speaking of new, the new Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalogue starts tomorrow... I'll be sending in my first order tomorrow evening so if there's anything you are anxious to get, just let me know! I hope you are all enjoying flipping through the pages of this new book - I sure have been! My wish list is all ready - now I just have to decide what to order first!!!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

They are here!!

Big news... The new Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalogue arrived at my doorstep! I'm just about to email everyone who pre-ordered to arrange delivery of your copy over the next couple of evenings!

There are some really beautiful new items that I am really excited about... I'm working on my own "wish list" right now. I'll tell you about that in a minute.

I did want to let everyone know that most of our prices have stayed exactly the same in the new catalogue but there are a few slight increases... Here's Stampin' Up!'s explanation on these price changes:

• Die-cut stamp sets. Although we have been introducing die-cut sets into the past several catalogues, many of the sets remained square cut. For this catalogue, we've transitioned to an almost exclusive die-cut offering. (Mini alphabets and background stamps are not die cut.) Sets that made this transition have been priced accordingly because of the increased benefits including the ease of assembly.
• Classic Stampin' Pads are increasing from $6.25 to $6.95 and refills are increasing from $3.25 to $3.50. The price on this product was increased by the vendor. Although the price for individual ink pads and refills has increased, please note that the price of the Classic Pads in colour families remains the same. Purchasing ink pads in colour families is a better deal than ever!

So, although the price increases are small, remember that the current pricing is still in effect until January 18th so you can beat the increases by ordering before the new catalogue starts on January 19th.

Okay, I know you don't have a new catalogue just yet to look at the items that are on my wish list, but when you do have yours, be sure to check out my new favourites:

• page 49 - Animal Crackers... I just adore the giraffe and the bunny!
• page 57 - Just Buzzin' By... my grandparents were bee farmers and the cute little bees remind me of them.
• page 58 - Thoughts & Prayers... the tree is beautiful.
• page 67 - Cute & Cuddly... the teddy bear is my favourite new stamp, it's crazy cute!
• page 90 - Cheep Talk... the birds are cute and I think this will be fun to use.
• page 100 - Branch Out... another tree set - what is about trees that I like so much?!!
• page 106 - Fifth Avenue Floral... I think this will make some beautiful cards.
• page 135 - Hope Happens... some nice quotes and I'm a sucker for quotes!
• page 156 - Taste of Textiles... specialty papers - printed vellum with Not Quite Navy Polka Dots, Close to Cocoa Pin Stripe and more.
• page 176 - Corduroy Buttons... in six different colours!
• page 177 - Fleurettes... absolutely adorable handmade crocheted flowers.
• page 185 - Eyelet Border Punch... beautiful and elegant.
• page 188 - Circle Scissor Plus... oh the circles I am going to be able to cut!
• pages 194-203 - oh my gosh, there's a lot of new stuff for the Big Shot that I need!! Remember that beautiful butterfly that's on our current catalogue? Well, we now have a die to cut this! And, I can't wait to have my Texturz Plates so I can make embossed backgrounds!!

Well, that's a quick run down of some of the things that are on my list... now I just have to make the big decision about what I'll order on January 19th!

I was looking at how boring my blog looks from these last few posts without any pictures... sorry about that! It will get better soon, I promise! ; )

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

So much to look forward to...

The new Idea Book & Catalogue will be here soon! And, there is so much to look forward to! I haven't seen the new Idea Book & Catalogue yet, but I have to tell you that I'm stocking Canada Post to see when it's going to be delivered because I can't wait! I've heard about some of the exciting new products though so here's a bit of a description of some of what we have to look forward to...

~ Lots of new products for the Big Shot including brand new Texturz Templates which are exciting embossing folders - and they are priced very reasonably! And, lots of new dies... including a three-tier pop up cake!
~ A new lace scallop punch - the description sounds beautiful and I can't wait to see it! Okay, let's be honest, I can't wait to order it!! ; )
~ New cordouroy buttons and crocheted flowers! Oh, and die cut canvas sheets that sound really nifty - adds some unique texture to cards!
~ A great new circle cutter that cuts many sizes of circles and I hear is very easy to use!
~ New ribbons... you know I'm excited about that!!
~ Clear rhinestone brads available on their own (like the ones that are in the Pretties Kit)... I'm glad to be able to order a package of these great accessories!
~ Stencils... I'm not sure what to expect but I'm hearing that they are pretty amazing!
~ And, of course, lots of great new stamp sets! I can't wait...

You can still pre-order your Idea Book & Catalogue for the discounted price of $8 until January 18th - email me at bevennis@shaw.ca to reserve your copy. Of course, you can receive one for free when you hostess a stampin' class or workshop. And, Stampin' Up! just announced that any customer who places a first-time online order (which you can do through my website) in February will receive a free Idea Book & Catalogue with their order!

And, a few more things that are coming soon...

~ Digital Scrapbooking! This software application sounds amazing... I can't wait to find out more so I can share this exciting new product with you. We don't know yet when it will be available... we just know that it's coming soon!
~ Lots of new Decor Elements, including personalization and customization features. For example, you will be able to order unique names or favorite quotes in a size, font, and colour of your choice.

I hope that you are feeling as excited as I am!

Now, I need to get back to stamping so I can share new projects with you... but, it's going to be a few days yet. We just spent this evening taking down our Christmas decorations which means that tomorrow will be my cleaning and reorganizing day. Right now, I can't even see the top of my stamping table and most of the floor in my craft room has disappeared under piles of things that need to be put away. Hopefully I'll successfully get everything accomplished this weekend so I can get back to the fun!

Thanks for stopping by...

Happy stampin'!

Bev.

Retiring Accessories!

Here's the list of accessories from the current Idea Book & Catalogue that will be retiring... these items are available while supplies last up to January 18th. Contact me (bevennis@shaw.ca) if you'd like to place an order...

Item #	Product Description	Availability
111377	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE	Not Available
102782	ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12	Not Available
104188	ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384	ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*	Not Available
104516	ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381	ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*	Not Available
103977	BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978	BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981	BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446	BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445	BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604	DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12	Not Available
102174	DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY	Not Available
112462	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY	Not Available
112466	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER	Not Available
112467	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK	Not Available
111355	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
106523	ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER	Not Available
104104	ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI	Not Available
107298	ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695	ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115	ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372	METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925	ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190	ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180	ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086	ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923	PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25	Not Available
104942	PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE	Not Available
104943	PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273	PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE	Not Available
104389	PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*	Not Available
100391	PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE	Not Available
104830	RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829	RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828	RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831	RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037	RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282	RUB ON ANCHORED
111806	RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805	RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417	RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283	RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME	Not Available
112043	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT	Not Available
112016	SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647	STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813	WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II	Not Available
	Retiring Wheels
107212	MATEYS MAP	Not Available
106749	BRIGHT BULBS
109672	BRONCO	Not Available
104100	MAKING TRACKS	Not Available
108978	SANDY SHELLS	Not Available
110332	SNOW
101233	SNOWFLAKE	Not Available
109694	SWEET STARS
111249	TAKE A NUMBER

*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout (see post below for details).

Accessories blowout sale!

From January 5-18, get retired, retiring, and current products up to 50 percent off regular price! These items are only available while supplies last so don't delay! You can see pictures of these items here.

Items retiring from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109190	180	On Board 9" x 9" clipboard	$9.50	$6.99
107925	181	On Board Bitty Book	$11.75	$8.99
105384	183	Mellow Moss 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$23.95	$17.99
105381	183	Real Red 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$23.95	$17.99
103977	187	Bold Bright buttons	$8.25	$5.99
104389	188	Double Circle punch	$7.50	$5.49
114447	n/a	Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit	$58.95	$29.48

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue

Retired items from the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109013	163	Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Pad	$6.75	$4.49
109012	163	Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Pad	$6.75	$4.49
109011	163	Purely Pomegranate Classic Stampin' Pad	$6.75	$4.49
109010	163	River Rock Classic Stampin' Pad	$6.75	$4.49
109009	163	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	$6.75	$4.49
109014	163	Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad	$6.75	$4.49
109179	178	On Board Ginormous Pieces	$18.95	$12.99
109189	190	Beachfront Ribbon Originals	$16.95	$14.99
109187	190	District Ribbon Originals	$16.95	$10.99
109188	190	Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals	$16.95	$11.49
109185	190	Jersey Ribbon Originals	$16.95	$11.99
109184	190	Sherbet Ribbon Originals	$16.95	$11.99
109186	190	Theater Ribbon Originals	$16.95	$11.49
109062	191	River Rock double-stitched ribbon	$11.95	$7.99
110716	191	Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon	$10.95	$7.49

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue

Current products appearing in the upcoming Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalogue:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
111349	162	Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" x 11" card stock	$6.50	$4.99
111345	162	In Color (2008-2009) 12" x 12" textured card stock	$13.95	$10.49
109110	185	Fire Circle Rhinestone brads	$13.75	$9.99
109112	185	Fire Square Rhinestone brads	$13.75	$9.99
109113	185	Ice Square Rhinestone brads	$13.75	$9.99
111325	185	Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware	$36.95	$27.49
112454	185	Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware	$36.95	$27.49
113451	n/a	20th Anniversary Embosslits die	$13.95	$10.99

*Quantities at reduced price are limited; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue

Happy New Year!

Can you believe that it is 2009 already? Happy New Year!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with all the things you enjoy and the people you love. Our Christmas turned out to be a bit different than planned due to our wild and crazy weather - we weren't able to go to Edmonton to be with my family as our flight was canceled so instead Brent and I enjoyed a quiet Christmas at home, just the two of us. Although it wasn't the Christmas we were expecting, it turned out to be wonderful and we enjoyed the time together. The time since then has been a bit of a whirlwind as we had one day of complete relaxation, followed by a couple of days of visiting friends and cleaning the house, and we are now on our 6th day with children staying at our house! So we have kept busy!

I know it has been a long time since I've had a chance to post here... I hope you will forgive me for taking a bit of a break over the holidays! There are so many things that we enjoy doing for Christmas and New Years that I just needed to let myself have the time to do them.

One of the first things I had to do when I started my holidays back in the middle of December was to finish our Christmas cards... It was quite a scramble to get them done, but I was successful! I'm guessing that some may have arrived after Christmas, but I did my best! : ) Here are the two cards that I made this year... you can probably tell how much I love the Big Shot!


I love to receive cards and catch up with family and friends near and far. This year, we received so many cards and it's amazing how many were handmade! I thought I would share them with you here so you could appreciate all of the creativity like I did!

From Sue, Ronnie, and Carol Lynn:


From Paula, Larissa, and Karin:


From Jennifer, Corrina, and Selena:


From Sonia, Debbie, and Faye:


From Colleen and Jo:


From Cindy, Melanie, and Jana:


From Ingmarie, Anne, and Naomi:


From Nadine, Sharon, and Auntie Pearl:


From Alison, Rhonda, and Helen:


From Alicia, Christine, and Gail:


Thanks again to everyone who sent cards... they are still decorating our fireplace and I enjoy looking at them each day!

Happy New Year! See you soon!!

Bev.

Priceless!!

Dimensionals = 256
Snowflakes = 224
SNAIL refills = 5

Mailing 160 hand-stamped Christmas greetings to family and friends... priceless!

The other night, my table was covered with snowflakes and I had to take a photo. My Christmas cards are all in the mail finally! This year, we made two different designs - 96 of one and 64 of the other. My husband helped me with the cards for our family by cutting all of the snowflakes and the "Top Note" die-cut shapes so he is now quite the Big Shot expert. I appreciate that he gets involved in the process every year... and with only a little bit of grumbling! ; )

So, since I'm always racing against the calendar to get my cards finished, I haven't had much free time lately. That's why I've been absent from my blog... sorry!

I haven't been creating anything new lately either, but I thought I would share a cute little gift that I received from my friend and downline, Melanie. This little envelope contains a gift card (from Starbucks) and the envelope is actually what the gift card came in. Melanie added a beautiful ribbon bow and attached the Merry Christmas greeting punched out with the small oval punch - just a nice touch to this thoughtful gift. It's a quick and simple way to add a special touch and make a beautiful little package.

I hope you are staying safe and warm in this crazy weather we've been having... Not sure if I will be back to post again before Christmas so I will take this chance to wish you all the best of the season. I wish you a season filled with peace, love and joy. I look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Happy stampin'!

Bev.