Stellar Stamps

A card of congrats from my Stampin' Up! upline

In our Stampin' Up! family tree, we are connected 5 levels above us and 5 levels down. I'm in the 5th level of Jill Olsen's downline. Jill is one of the most senior demonstrators with our company having joined almost on Day 1. This week, I received a lovely note of congrats from Jill using the "Designer Cuts" Cards & Envelopes Set (125414 $9.95 for 4 sets of 2 designs & only available thru 4/30/12).

I am a huge fan of "clean and simple" stamping and this card fits that criteria perfectly!

Jill has thousands of demonstrators on her team so to be recognized in any given month in her top-30 is a huge honor!

Happy Valentine's Day = what else...??? Chocolate!

Who knew that paper crafts and chocolate went so well together? Today some of my co-workers will get a Hershey's bar wrapped in Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper. Yes, it's retiredpaper so this was a fabulous opportunity to make good use of it.

This project could not have come together faster which is what you want when you're wrapping about 30 candy bars. I call it speed crafting! Here's the quick summary of steps:

 

• Cut Designer Series Paper to wrap around candy (I got 4 wrappers per 12' x 12" sheet) and adhere with Sticky Strip (104294 - $6.95)
• Print sentiment on our Whisper White Card Stock (100730 - $8.95 for 40 sheets) then trim
• Adhere sentiment on Basic Black Card Stock (121045 - $6.95 for 24 sheets)
• Punch hearts using Full Heart punch (119883 - $16.95) and red Glimmer Paper (121790 - $4.95)
• Using Stampin' Dimensionals (104430 - $3.95 for 300) adhere sentiment to candy bar
• Then also using a Dimensional, adhere heart to sentiment

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sharing a special card I made for my newly initiated Kappa Alpha Theta niece

My niece Julia, a college sophomore, was just initiated into Kappa Alpha Theta or "Theta" sorority. I wanted to surprise her with a gift and a handmade card {and, to me, a handmade card is also a gift!}. I bought this Greek alphabet die online and, frankly, it's sort of a piece of junk - most likely because it's not Stampin' Up! ;-) Did not cut well at all. Theta colors are gold and black so that's the color scheme I used for Julia's card. Clean and simple stamping. Everything except the die is Stampin' Up!

Congratulations Julia and your fellow pledge class! {I'm a Tri Sigma just like Carrie Underwood!}

 

Start designing with Stampin' Up!s MY DIGITAL STUDIO . . . FREE!

Stampin' Up! will offer a 30-day My Digital Studio (computer software to create scrapbooks, calendars, cards, flyers, etc....). Express trial version beginning February 1, that you  can take advantage of. The best part is this is an ongoing offer!

With the FREE trial, you'll get:

• Full access to the software at NO COST.
• Full design functionality.
• Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express.
• Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between.
• Access to our professional print services.

It's simple; add the free My Digital Studio Express trial (item 129600) to your online shopping cart, and then download and install it from your Download Manager.  Watch for more information on February 1.

If you don't already have the My Digital Studio software, make sure to take advantage of the free trial.

 

Tips and tricks for the new Paper Doily Sizzlits Die by Stampin' Up!

With the Paper Doily Sizzlits Die (item 125592 & approximately 4-1/4" diameter.) you can now create the intricate designs you've grown to love with our Sizzlits Dies, in a new, larger size. 

A few tips and tricks: 

• Because of variations in materials, you will most likely need to use a shim (such as piece of card stock) when you send it through the Big Shot. 
• The detailed intricacy comes with a little added work. The negative pieces will not come out automatically when you cut the die. 
  • It may take a little time to remove all the cut pieces from the die-cut paper. Remove the pieces by poking or punching them out. Carefully, push the pieces through the cut design and remove them from the back. Make sure you work from the front side of the doily (the side that was face-down when it was cut) and push the pieces through; if you try to pull them out from the front or if you push them through from the back side, the doily might tear. To make it easier, gently roll the die-cut paper to pop out some of the larger pieces.
  • Push the pieces out using the Paper-Piercing Tool or the small end of the Simply Scored Stylus. 
  • The front side will look completely cut through, however, the back side may not. This is normal with this die, and if you follow the directions of removing the small pieces you will find that the die has cut through the paper. 
• Because of the intricate design of this die, small pieces might stick in the foam on the actual die. Clear all small pieces from the die before using it again. This will ensure you get a clean cut every time. Remove the remaining pieces by using your Paper-Piercing Tool, being careful not to tear the foam on the die.

Other resources:

• Each die comes with instructional text with the above information (in a little less detail). 
• The Occasions Mini Product Guide includes the above information.

The most important thing to remember is that with the intricate delicacy and detail comes some added work. The larger Sizzlits dies require a bit more time to use than other dies and that there is a certain amount of hands-on effort involved in creating with these detailed designs. However, you will find with the gorgeous finished piece, the little bit of extra effort is totally worth it!

Here's a sample of what you can create with this die:

 

Sale-A-Bration is another word for "supercalifragilisticexpialidociously" fantabulous Stampin' Up! event

ORDER 24/7 BY CLICKING HERE

THAT'S RIGHT -  THE STAMPIN UP EVENT OF THE YEAR - SALE-A-BRATION IS HERE bringing with it FREE Stamp Sets, Ribbons & Brads, MDS CDs, Designer Series Papers, Cardstocks & more!

-

What is Sale-a-Bration?

DURING SALE-A-BRATION YOU GET TO CHOOSE ONE FREE ITEM FOR EVERY $50 THAT YOU SPEND

Sale-a-Bration is THE best time to stock up on all your basic supplies such as papers, ink pads, card stocks, ribbons, refills & envelopes that you know you are going to use during the year PLUS it’s a great time to get those things on your wish list from the new Occasions Mini Catalog or to treat yourself to a larger purchase such as a Big Shot or our set of 38 Many Marvelous Markers…

-

How does Sale-a-bration work?

During Sale-a-Bration you get to choose one FREE item from the Sale-a-Bration Brochure for EVERY $50 that you spend – it doesn’t matter what you buy – paper, ink, markers, dies, embellishments, stamp sets, décor elements, a Big Shot etc – EVERYTHING that you purchase from ANY Stampin’ Up! catalog counts…

-

Where can you find the Sale-a-Bration Brochure?

Right here in the right column of my blog! Click on the picture of it to the far right. If you prefer to have a paper copy and do not currently have a Demonstrator, please email me at StellarStamps@comcast.net and I will get one out in the mail to you immediately (within 24 hours max). 

-

And there are no limits:

• when you spend $100 you get to choose 2 items…
• spend $150 and you get to choose 3 items…
• spend $200 and you get to choose 4 items…
• and so on – there is no limit to the freebies you get!

-

And it gets even better:

When you spend $150 or more you get to choose:

• 3 Free Sale-a-bration items
• PLUS you also get Hostess Benefits – $25 in Hostess Dollars
• PLUS you get a special FREE Sale-a-bration Tote too with your order too – it’s cute – here it is:

And there is even another level:

When you spend over $400 you get to choose:

• 8 Free Sale-a-bration items
• PLUS you get Hostess Benefits – $65 in Hostess Dollars
• PLUS you get to purchase one item at 50% off (could be that Big Shot, My Digital Studio software or set of Markers you’ve had your eye on!)
• PLUS that Free Sale-a-bration Tote
• PLUS a Free Hostess Bundle worth $45 too
• WOW!!!

What FREE Sale-a-bration items can you choose from?

You can choose from ANY of the 20 items featured in the Sale-a-Bration Catalog included are:

• 8 Limited Edition items ONLY available during Sale-a-bration – featuring a pack of BEAUTIFUL Designer Series Papers, a pack of Ribbons & Brads, 4 Stamp Sets, Décor Element and MDS Digital CD
• AND let me tell you – those Designer Series Papers are GORGEOUS…check out the piccy of them below…
• 12 other items from the main Catalog – featuring 5 Stamp Sets, Designer Buttons, Fabric, a Simply Sent Kit, Embossing Folders, a pack of Assorted Cardstock and an MDS Digital CD

Here are those beautiful papers featured in Everyday Enchantment DSP pack…STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS…AND FREE with a $50 order!

HOW DO YOU PLACE YOUR SALE-A-BRATION ORDERS?

You can place your orders of less than $400 directly online by CLICKING HERE or by emailing them to me at StellarStamps@comcast.net

For orders of $400+ you MUST email your order to me to get that extra Free Hostess Bundle worth $45 – that is not available on orders placed directly online by yourself

Enjoy your Sale-a-Bration freebies - and if you have any questions, just let me know!

Stampin' Up! is giving away 30-day trials of our digital software! See over 13,700 samples

On February 1 we're releasing a FREE 30-day trial version of My Digital Studio Express! Stay tuned for more details.

Not sure what digital scrapbooking is or how you could use it? Check out the zillions of samples (ok, not zillions but 13,790 and counting...) on our specially dedicated website www.MyDigitalStudio.net It doesn't cost a cent to peek!

2.31 minutes + 1.50 minutes = the lengths of 2 YouTube videos I invite you to watch to learn more about what I do and why I love it so much

 

 

 

Top 10 Things Demonstrators Love about Being Part of the Stampin' Up! Family

• Tens of thousands of cards, scrapbook pages, gift ideas, and home décor items that no one else has access to!
• Plenty of social opportunities to share fun and creativity with others!
• Receiving Stampin' Success, a monthly publication for demonstrators only, that  features great techniques, inspiring spotlights, exciting product information, and so much more!
• First to see and try new products and receive free product giveaways!
• Fabulous getaway opportunities (like slumber parties for grown-ups) at annual Stampin' Up! events, plus opportunities to travel around the world--FREE--with family and friends!
• Part of an exclusive online community where creative minds share their thoughts and feelings on. . . well, just about everything!
• Flexibility to make it all happen when it fits best in your life!
• Savings on the best products in the crafting industry and plenty of exciting promotions!
• Being part of a strong sisterhood of women who share bonds of friendship, creativity, and integrity!
• Partnering with a company that puts people and relationships first--ALWAYS!

Something to ponder... join January 24-March 31 during our STARTER KIT SALE and start enjoying these exciting Stampin' Up! benefits in your own life! Or join today here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stellarstamps/jointhefun

The Occasions Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up! begins today

The new Occasions Mini Catalog is 43 pages jam-packed with new products! Come take a peek - link to the online copy in the right column here. If you would like a hard copy, I would be happy to mail you one free. Please email me with your full name and mailing address and I'll pop one in the mail immediately. I'll even add an upcoming Sale-A-Bration brochure (begins January 24). My email: StellarStamps@comcast.net.

Today is the FINAL day for the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog

I have to confess that our annual Holiday mini catalog is probably my favorite. Maybe it has something to do with my loving Christmas. In any event, this special catalog supplement expires tonight! Link to it in the right column on this blog.

 

Things to know from Stampin' Up!:

• "Due to overwhelming demand for the Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, we have run out of stock. This item from the Holiday Mini is no longer available for purchase. We apologize for this inconvenience."

 

• "We have decided not to carry over the Stocking Builder Punch (item 124095, page 34 of the Holiday Mini). Once the current inventory of this punch has been depleted, it will no longer be available for purchase."

 

There are some items carrying over from this Holiday mini and they'll be available for sale after today but not sure for how long: Download CarryOver_Holiday_1211_US

 

If you see a sample in the Holiday mini and wonder what products were used, here's the list of supplies: Download US_2011_Holiday_Mini_supplies

New Stampin' Up! digital downloads released today - yes they work with other programs

See the complete line of digital products here with the newly released images shown below:

Click here then go to Digital Designing

Then you can also click on Newest Downloads and it lists all the weekly downloads. Go forth and create... digitally!

 

Wow - thanks to my cherished customers and my Stampin' Up! downline team!

Thank you to all my loyal and amazing customers for the best December I think I've ever had. And, similar thanks to my nationwide (in 37 states) team of demonstrators who, collectively, also had the best December ever. Stampin' Up! also earns my heartfelt thanks for having a terrific Clearance Rack Blitz (which my customers LOVE) and a rewarding bonus via the extra hostess benefits earlier in December. All of the above combined to generate a very solid end to 2011 for me - thank YOU!

 

In honor of your loyalty and as a nod to the Rose Parade going on now (which is in the city of our former home and where two of my children were born), here's a rose for you to symbolize your wonderful support of me and my Stampin' Up! business during, not only December, but all through 2011!

Tea Shoppe set from Stampin' Up! debuting this Wednesday!

I think one of my favorite things is tea and I have a small (intentionally) tea pot collection. There's just something about a tea pot that I love & I always have a variety of teas on hand. My children all drink hot tea with me which makes me happy. I was born in England and my parents maintained the British tradition of daily tea 365 days per year. I can't say that I drink tea a lot in the summer but in the winter, like now, I make at least one pot per day.

This Christmas I used one of my favorite tea pots that friend Colleen, from Pasadena, gave me about 15 years ago. It's from the Villeroy and Boch Naif Christmas set. I found this photo on the internet. The scenery on the image is just beautiful and I love this tea pot & I love that Colleen gave it to me. I think of her every time I use it though I relocated 450 miles from her in 1999.

Well, imagine my surprise and delight when I learned that Stampin' Up!s upcoming "Occasions Mini Catalog" has tea-themed products in it! I made these two cards using the Tea Shoppe set that will be available for purchase this Wednesday, January 4.

If you enjoy tea, like I do, then you are likely to find a lot of enjoyment from Tea Shoppe - available January 4. To shop, click on the white button in the right column. No white gloves required!

Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog is about to expire!

Don't miss out on picking up your favorites from Stampin' Up!s Holiday Mini Catalog before it expires January 3. Shop 24/7 by clicking on the white button to the right of this blog page.

On a budget and wondering if anything is carrying over to continue on sale for a while beyond January 3? Then check out the newly released "carryover list" found here:  Download CarryOver_Holiday_1211_US

Stocking Builder Punch by Stampin' Up! - get it while you can!

Just announced from Stampin' Up!:

STOCKING BUILDER PUNCH

December 20, 2011

Our occasion-specific mini catalogs allow us the opportunity to share the latest seasonal products with you and your customers, and we often carry over products from our mini catalogs into the following Idea Book & Catalog. This time, however, we have decided not to carry over the Stocking Builder Punch (item 124095) from the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog into the next Idea Book & Catalog. Instead we will offer other great designs in its place--not to mention a trendy, new design planned for next holiday season.

Once the current inventory of this punch has been depleted, it will no longer be available for purchase. 

That punch was used to make this card:

Stocking Builder Punch 124095
Price: $16.95
Create your own unique little stockings for gift tags, cards, or scrapbook pages with this builder punch. Coordinates with images in the Stitched Stockings Set and the stocking image in the Gift Givers Set. Order now BY CLICKING HERE while supplies last!