The Stamp Workshop

Look What You Can Get for UNDER $160!

Do you have a LONG Stampin' Up wish list?  Do you want to get SU product at an over 52% discount and get future Stampin' Up products at 20% off?  Read on...

Starting February 1 through March 17, Stampin Up is running a great promotion!  Look what you can get for just under $160...

• Any stamp set up to a $47.95 value
• Any TWO stamp sets up to a $30.95 value
• Any stamp set up to a $20.95 value
• Any stamp set up to a $13.95 value
• Any stamp set up to a $12.95 value
• Any Standard sized wheel - a $6.50 value
• One Stampin' Around Self Inking Handle (Regular)  - a $3.95 value
• Any Ink Cartridge (used with Handle) - a value $5.25
• Stampin' Pastels - a $24.95 value
• Any two (2) packages of assorted color cardstock (8 1/2" X 11") - a $15.90 value
• Any one (1) package of Neutral cardstock (8 1/2" X 11") - a $7.50 value
• Snail adhesive - a $6.95 value
• Craft & Rubber Scissors - a $19.95 value
• Stampin' Scrub - a $14.95 value
• Stampin' Mist - a $3.95 value
• Blender Pens - a $9.95 value
• Any SIX (6) Classic Stampin' Pads - a $31.50 value

The total retail value of all the items listed above is $309!  All these items can be yours for less than $160!

As an added bonus, I will personally include any stamp set up to $27.95.  That's a total retail value of $336.95!  All for $160! This is more than a 52% discount!

Let's recap, that's SEVEN (7) stamp sets, Stampin' Pastels, a Standard Wheel including its handle and ink cartridge, THREE (3) packages of cardstock, Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist, Snail adhesive, Craft & Rubber scissors, Blender pens and SIX (6) Classic Stampin' Pads.

In additional to the substantial savings, you will receive 20% off all future purchases!

Please note this bundled package is a customized demo starter kit.  The customized products include the stamp sets, wheel, ink cartridge, cardstock and classic Stampin' pads.  All other products listed are "no substitutions".

This special promotion is not valid with any other promotion.  Offer good only in the US.

To take advantage of this wonderful promotion, please contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com or call me at (858) 538-6037.

 

One More!

Okay, here is the last of my SAB swaps.  This one was for swapper's club that I host.

You may have noticed that all my cards are "boxy".  I don't know what it is with the rectangles.  I have tried to do circles, squares, odd shapes, but I seem to always go back to the rectangles.  I think they come out okay.  lol

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps:Merci, Paisley
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Vintage Brads, Pretty in Pink Grosgrain, Aquapainter, Distresser tool, Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper, Dimensionals

Don't forget - SAB starts THIS Friday, Feb 1st!  Here's a recap of the SAB rewards:

• Customers - FREE SAB set with every $50 purchase!
• Hostesses - FREE SAB set with every $300 sold!
• Recruits - ANY FREE set up to a $47.95 value!

Call or email me to place an order or to schedule your workshop or catalog party!

In the Background

Background stamps are something that I recommend to stampers that ask, "What are some of the essentials I need to make cards?"  Stampin' Up! currently offers 23 background stamps.  These stamps measure 4 1/2" X 5 3/4".

Backgrounds stamps can be used to fill the blank spaces on your card.  They can give your card that little something it needs.

Here's a tip: Backgrounds also make for quick and easy cards!

Here is a simple, but elegant card.  The background stamp sets the tone of the card.

There is a lot going on with this card, but if you look at it closely, it is two pieces of cardstock, two colors of ink, ribbon and two stamps.  This card took all of five minutes to make.

First, cut your base piece the size of a standard card (4 1/4" X 5 1/2").  Here I used Chocolate Chip.

Next cut your second piece of cardstock (Cameo Coral) as a layer piece.  That is, cut it to 4" X 5 1/4".  This will give just enough space around so that when you center this piece on the base, you get a nice layer.

Next, punch the corners of the layer piece.

Ink your background stamp.  Lay the stamp on a nice hard, even surface with the rubber side up.

Place the layer piece directly on the rubber.  Lay a large piece of scrap paper over that and gently rub evenly and smoothly to distribute the ink onto the layer piece.  Be careful not to move the layer piece as you smooth over.

Once inked, tie the Chocolate Chip Grosgrain around the base of the layered piece.  Adhere entire piece to the base piece so that the space around the card is even on all four sides.

Stamp the sentiment in the bottom right corner.  Now the card is done!  Simple as that!

Here is the recipe for this card:
Stamps: En Francais, Baroque Motifs
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral
Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Ticket Corner Punch

Background stamps are $17.95.  To order background stamps or for questions, please contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Wanna Swap?

Are you an ATC addict, or have you thought of maybe giving ATCs a go?  Well then, do I have the swap for you!  I am currently hosting an ATC swap on splitcoaststampers.

This swap is an ATC swap using any new set from the Spring Summer 08 Collection.  Haven't ordered yet?  No problem!  This swap is not due until February 25.  Lots of time to order and to make your ATCs!

What?  You don't know what an ATC is?  Here is my recent post talking all about ATCs: Click here.

I'd love to have my blog readers join this swap.  Check it out on splitcoaststampers.  Here is the link.

Happy swappin!

Sale-A-Bration Starts February 1st!

This Friday, February 1st is the first day of Sale-A-Bration!  I have been talking about SAB for the past few weeks, and it is almost here!  Before I became a Stampin Up Demo, SAB was my favorite promotion!  I would put off buying anything for a few months and get my wishlist ready.  As soon as SAB began, I would place my order.  I would earn so many free sets that I could get at least one of each set offered!  See why I became a demo???

Here is a recap of what Sale-A-Bration is all about: FREE Stamps!  You earn one SAB stamp set free with every $50 purchase.  If you host a workshop or a catalog party, you earn a free stamp set for every $300 in sales.  This year, there are five stamp sets and one package of rub-ons offered.  I will post a PDF file of the SAB brochure on February 1.  If you would like a hard copy of the SAB brochure, email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com with your name and address and I will get one out to you.  I have a limited number of these brochures on hand, so if you want one, let me know asap!

In conjunction with the SAB promotion, I am offering a special promotion to help you get to $50 so you can earn your free stamp set!  I have twelve product bundles retailing from just over $50-53 that I will be offering for a discounted price of $50 (not including S&H and tax).  I have to thank the brilliant ladies on splitcoaststampers for sharing these bundle ideas!  Here are the bundles that I am offering for $50 each...

Accessorize Bundle - $50 (retail $50.80)
Two Grosgrain Ribbons 15.90 (pg. 191)
Button Set 6.95 (pg. 192)
Hodgepodge Hardware 27.95 (pg. 188)

Bling Bundle - $50 (retail $50.80)
Fire/Ice Rhinestone brads 10.95 (pg. 189)
Chunky Essentials Glitter 15.95 (pg. pg. 186)
Fine Cosmo Glitter 13.95 (pg. 186)
Bead Duos 9.95 (pg. 192)

Bunch of Basics Bundle - $50 (retail $52.65)
Stampin’ Mist 3.95 (pg. 184)
Stampin’ Scrub 14.95 (pg. 184)
Paper Snips 9.95 (pg. 184)
Stamp-a-ma-jig 11.95 (pg. 184)
Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive 3.95 (pg. 186)
Anywhere Glue Stick 3.95 (pg. 186)
Stampin’ Dimensionals 3.95 (pg. 186)

Embossing Basics Bundle - $50 (retail $53.45)
Heat Gun 26.95 (pg. 187)
Versamark 7.50 (pg. 183)
Silver Embossing Powder 4.75 (all on pg. 187)
Gold Embossing Powder 4.75
Clear Embossing Powder 4.75
Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder 4.75

On Board Journal Bundle - $50 (retail $51.85)
On Board Art Journal 9.50 (pg. 179)
Spiral Punch 10.95 (pg. 180)
Very Vanilla Cardstock 7.50 (pg 163)
Simply Scrappin’ Kit (your choice) 19.95 (pgs. 172-5)
Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive 3.95 (pg. 186)

Organizational Bundle - $50 (retail $50.75) (all on pg. 193)
Jumbo or Standard Wheel Storage 6.95
Forget Me Not Keepers 7.95
12x12 Kraft Keepers 7.95
12x12 Paper Holder 7.95
Medium Ribbon Keepers 15.95

Paper Party - $50 (retail $51.75)
12x12 (any color) Textured CS $11.95 (pg. 163-5)
Any 4 Designer Series Paper Set $ 9.95 ea. (pg. 168-171)

Pretties-Fusion Bundle - $50 (retail $51.85)
Pretties Kit 29.95 (pg. 188)
Flower Fusion Felt Flowers 14.95 (pg. 177)
Gold or Silver Brads 6.95 (pg. 189)

Scrapbooker's Special - $50 (retail $53.80)
Any Simply Scrappin' kit $19.95 (pg. 172-5)
Any Rub-Ons set $10.95 (pg. 182)
Any Ribbon Originals $12.95 (pg. 190)
Any Bead Duo $9.95 (pg. 192)

Simply Scrappin’ Bundle - $50 (retail $52.65)
Simply Scrappin’ Kit (any) 19.95 (pgs. 172-175)
Stampin’ Spots set (any color) 22.50 (pgs.162,164-5)
Stampin’ Write Marker (any color) 3.25 (pgs. 162-5, 185)
Snail Adhesive 6.95 (pg. 186)

Sticky Glitter Bundle - $50 (retail $50.30) (all on pg. 186)
Sticky Cuts Letters $8.95
Sticky Strip 6.95
Dazzling Diamonds 4.50
Chunky Essentials 15.95
Fine Cosmo 13.95

"Wade" Into Watercoloring Bundle - $50 (retail $50.80)
Aqua Painter - 16.95 (pg. 185)
Watercolor Paper - 6.95 (pg. 166)
Choice of WW Crayons - 19.95 (pg. 183)
Stipple Brushes - 6.95 (pg. 185)

To order any one (or more) of these bundles and to earn one or more FREE SAB stamp sets, please email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com, phone me at 858.538.6037 or use my convenient online order form located here.

Can't find a bundle that you like?  Make your own!  Make your own bundles will be priced at $50.  Make your own bundles must have an original retail value between $50 - $53 to qualify.

Do you have friends that might be interested in ordering?  If so, host a catalog party!  With the current Stampin Up catalog available online, your catalog party "attendees" could be anywhere in the US.  If you have a qualifying catalog party of $150 or more, you will be entitled to hostess benefits.  Those benefits are in addition to all the SAB benefits you can receive.  So set up a catalog party, or if you are in the San Diego area and want to set up a workshop, please email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com or phone me at 858.538.6037

Jami's Swap Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of a card that I will post by the end of the week.  Why just a sneak peek?  Well, read on...

I am lucky enough to be on Jami's swap list.  Now, this isn't just any list, this is a list with some of SplitCoast's finest talent.  (Not that I'm one of them! ROFL)  So, here I am in a swap that has stampers like jbalcer, tayloredexpressions, camsmom, notimetostamp, genie1314.  Okay, so I am shamelessly name dropping.

Anyway, we aren't supposed to post our swaps until after the cards are swapped out and swappers start receiving them.  So, I am posting just a little portion of it just to prove that I've been working on swaps like I've been saying!

It's always intimidating to swap with some of these ladies, but hey, as long as I do my best, I'm good.  *wink*

Merci Me!

Here's another card I made for an SAB swap.  Why do I do this?  As soon as a new mini, catalog, SAB promo comes out, I preorder the sets (demos can preorder certain sets to prepare for promos).  Then I sign up for every swap under the sun!  Sure, I have some wonderful samples, in this case for Sale-A-Bration, but I am overtaxing myself!

So I only preordered one set, since typically at SAB I have free sets coming out my ears!  lol  (I use these free sets for gifts to my best customers!)  All the swaps I have been working on have been using this set.  Now, don't get me wrong, this set is wonderful!  But, SAB doesn't start until February 1, and I am already sick of this set!  lol

I do hope you enjoy this card!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Merci
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Soft Sky, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Soft Sky, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Aquapainter, Distresser Tool, 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain, Double Stitched Soft Sky Grosgrain, Circle Punches, Scalloped Circle Punch, White Signo Gel Pen, Fall Flowers Designer Series Paper, Old Olive Designer Series Paper

Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek

I haven't posted in a few days, but I have been busy stampin!  I am in a TON of swaps and they are all coming due at the same time.  I am a swap addict and I took a short break.  But, now I'm swapping again and I may have over done it!  Yikes!

I had fun making this card.  It was very easy.  I'm not the best watercolorer (is that a word?) out there, but I think these came out okay.

This card was made for a Sale-A-Bration swap.  I hope to post a few more in the next day or two.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Merci, Paisley
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Brads, Photo Corner Punch, Distresser tool, AquaPainter, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Grograin, PopDots

Stampin' Up! in the News

Here is an article from KSL (Salt Lake City's NBC affiliate):

Utah company surprises National Guard members with cruise
January 16, 2008

(KSL News) The CEO of a Utah company surprised some lucky Utah National Guard members with a special "tour of duty": a seven day cruise to Bermuda.

The Utah-based scrapbook company Stampin' Up donated 85 cruise cabins to the guard to thank the soldiers for their service.

The unsuspecting winners received the good news today. One guardsman felt overwhelmed by the unexpected gift. "This has been kind of a dream come true. We've been married 22 years and I've been trying to get my wife on a cruise, just a three- or five-day cruise," Lt. Col. David Osborne said.

Many of the guard members selected for the cruise have served multiple tours of duty overseas.

To see the original article, click here.

My Blog's Feed

Ooops!

Well, I was changing around some of the fun stuff on the left hand side, particularly "Subscribe to my Feed" and "Subscribe to this blog's feed".  I *may* have messed up your feed to this blog.  My Google reader doesn't seem to want to see my new posts since my changes.  But, if I did and you only read this blog through a reader, then you won't even see this message!  Anyway, just a heads up in case.

What is a feed you ask?  I don't know the technical terms and exactly how it works, but if you click on the Feedburner counter or the words "Subscribe to this blog's feed" it'll pop up some prompts and it'll get my blog added to your "reader" (for example, Google Reader, BlogLines, BlogRvr, etc).  Basically it's a way for you to see the latest updates to your favorite blogs.

Artist Trading Cards

Today's technique is how to make an artist trading card, or ATC for short.

Although artists have been trading artist cards for years, trading modern ATCs was popularized in 1997 in Zurich, Switzerland when M. Vänçi Stirnemann started trading among other artists within their circle.  What is different about the ATC is its unique size.  ATCs always measure 2.5" X 3.5".

Many stampers and scrapbookers find the ATC to be a great way to show off their talent in a little space.  They are quick and easy to make.  Also, because of its size, 10 ATCs can be made from one standard 8.5" X 11" piece of cardstock.

Making an ATC is easy, it really is simply make a card front on a 2.5" X 3.5" piece of cardstock!

The first step is to prepare the base of your ATC.  The base is cardstock cut to a size of 2.5" X 3.5".   A template for cutting ATCs can be found here.

Next, use your creativity to create your ATC.  Then you're done!  Easy as that!  *wink*

Here's the recipe for this ATC:
Stamps: True Friend, Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Circle Punches, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, Word Punch, Silver Brad, Porcelain Prints Designer Series Paper

Many people ask what to do with ATCs once they've collected them.  You can mount an ATC on to a standard sized card and use it as the focal point.  Also, you can use it as an embellishment on a scrapbook page.  You can use it as the cover of a mini album.  You can display them much the same way people display baseball cards, in a binder in protective sleeves.  Whatever you decide to do with your ATCs, just make sure you enjoy them!

Copyrights and Your Creations

Have you ever wondered how your creations are protected once they are posted on the internet?

Many of my readers have their own blogs.  A majority of these blogs are creative blogs in which the blog owner posts her (or his) paper craft creations.  Here is a great article on copyrights that I happened upon on CNNmoney.com.  To see the original post and the article in its entirety, click here.

Q: Do I have to patent greeting cards?

A: A patent is for an invention. According to Brent Routman, a Minneapolis attorney for Merchant & Gould, an intellectual property law firm: “Unless your greeting card has a functional or mechanical aspect to it, what you’re looking for is a copyright.”

Of course, if you’re using someone else’s artwork, you’d have to get their permission to include it on your greeting cards, and you are also barred from registering a copyright.

If your cards are entirely self-created, you have the option of registering a copyright. Registration is voluntary: Copyright is automatic under U.S. law, and your work is inherently protected the moment it is created and put in tangible form.

You will want to register, however, if you wish to file a lawsuit alleging a copyright infringement. “In doing so you’re potentially entitled to greater damages - up to triple - if and when you go to court,” Routman says.

For more copyright information, go to the US Copyright Office.

Spring Summer 08 Collection Designer Series Paper

Of all the fabulous accessories that Stampin' Up! carries, many crafters agree that the Designer Series Paper line is their favorite.

I use Designer Series Paper all the time.  It makes for a quick project, and it is very versatile!  With each new Collection, we see fresh, new designs.  There is a style for everyone.

To help coordinate all your paper craft projects, here is a list of the new Spring Summer 08 Collection Designer Series Paper and their coordinating colors:

Azure: Brilliant Blue, Very Vanilla

Bali Breeze: Old Olive, Taken with Teal, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie

Berry Bliss: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa

Cutie Pie: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, So Saffron

East Coast Prep: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard

Flowers for You: Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise

Fall Flowers: Old Olive, Really Rust, Soft Sky, Sahara Sand

Ginger Blossom: Ruby Red, River Rock, Cameo Coral, Groovy Guava

Jersey Shore: Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue

Le Jardin: River Rock, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue

Notebook: Soft Sky, Kraft, Vanilla

Olive Press: Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Porcelain Prints: Blue Bayou, River Rock, Wild Wasabi

Spring Break: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky

Spring Fling: Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron

Spring Silhouettes: Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla

Western Sky: Ruby Red, River Rock, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky

Each package of Designer Series Paper comes with 2 sheets each of 6 different double sided papers.  Each package has a total of 12 different designs.  The packages retail for $9.95.

To order Designer Series Paper, email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

If You Give a Girl a Stamp...

Here is a fun little story that was written in the form of Laura Numeroff's story, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.  Any stamper, as addicted to the craft as most of my readers are, will relate to this.  So without further ado, here is If You Give a Girl a Stamp by Tracy Harp (aka LodiChick)

If You Give a Girl a Stamp
By Tracy Harp

If you give a girl a stamp she‘ll want to make a card…she’ll need an ink pad to go with it. She will spend hours pouring over colors trying to decide just the right one to buy. In the end she’ll decide she just can’t choose so she’ll buy them all.

Then she’ll remember she’ll need card stock to match the ink so she’ll quickly add four packs of assorted paper to her list, oh and white, vanilla, black and kraft!

Reading about certainly celery, purely pomegranate, pale plum and pumpkin pie will make her hungry so she’ll go to the kitchen for a snack. While munching on cookies she’ll realize she needs ideas of what to do with the stamp. She’ll go to her computer and google rubber stamping.

She’ll find a site called Splitcoaststampers. Wow!! So many techniques and ideas and a gallery that never ends. She’ll spend hours gazing at beautiful cards and projects. Her eyes will become dry from staring at the computer screen. She’ll go to the bathroom for some drops.

On the way, she’ll pass her family sitting at the kitchen table waiting for dinner. She’ll quickly heat up some leftovers and try to pretend she hadn’t forgotten. While talking about the days events, her son will bring out the school pictures he had gotten that day.

That will remind her she wanted a digital camera to take pictures of her cards so she can start her own SCS gallery. She’ll convince hubby of all the reasons the “family” needs a new camera. He will finally agree and she’ll head to the store to buy one.

On her way home she’ll pass by Joanns and remember she needs an Ott-Lite to go with the camera she just bought. While shopping for a light she’ll see aisles of paper, punches, embellishments and ribbon.  She’ll pick out a cart full of items but realize they don’t carry THE punch she saw used on a card she saved to her favorites. She’ll return home and go back to Splitcoaststampers to find out where to get THE punch.

Her search will lead her to someone’s blog where she’ll see a Starbucks bottle made into a cute candy container. That will remind her she has some bottles in the recycling bin so she’ll go to the garage to rescue them from the trash.

While in the garage she’ll see her son’s bike which will remind her she needs to buy a new helmet for his birthday. Thinking about birthdays will remind her she wanted to bake some cupcakes for him to take to school.

As she walks to the kitchen she’ll pass by the table and see the stamp.  The stamp will remind her that she wanted to make a card and she’ll probably want some…

Stampin' Up Ideas & Techniques

Today's feature is a great resource for some fabulous Stampin' Up! Projects: Click here

Each month Stampin' Up! posts three wonderful paper craft projects.  Each project includes a picture, a listing materials and step-by-step instructions on how to complete the projects.

The projects pictured here are from January 2008.

Check out each month for some great inspiration!

If you see a project you like, but need help recreating it, just contact me!  I'll be happy to help out.

You can order all the materials listed in the projects directly from me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Easy Scallops

I saw the neatest thing on Mary Jo Albright's blog the other day.  An easy way to make scallops!  Scallops are everywhere in the Spring Summer 08 Collection.  There is even a stamp set available for Sale-A-Bration called So Many Scallops.

Here is the card I made with some decorative scallops.  See them in the Old Olive?

This card features the stamp set Merci from the upcoming Sale-A-Bration Brochure.  Also featured are the Love & Happiness Rub-Ons that are available during Sale-A-Bration.  You can earn the stamp set and the rub-ons free during Sale-A-Bration (runs Feb. 1 - March 17).

After the recipe I will include instructions on how to make the scallop border.

The layout for this card was from Joani's sketch challenge at Cards Made By Hand.

Here is the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Merci
Cardstock: Taken with Teal, Old Olive, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black StazOn, Old Olive, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Love & Happiness Rub-Ons, Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper, Aqua Painter, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain. Distresser Tool

To make the scallop border:

Step 1: Using the 1 3/8" circle punch, punch a circle in the paper you want to use for the scallop.

Step 2: Using the Scallop Circle Punch, punch directly over the circle made in Step 1.

Step 3: Take the hollowed out scallop circle and snip between one set of scallops.

Step 4: Unfurl scallops into a straight line and adhere to your card as desired.

Check out the card above to see what the scallops look like!

What are the Benefits?

Have you ever wondered what the benefits are of being a Stampin' Up Independent Demonstrator?

Here are the eight top benefits:

8.  Stampin' Success - Every month Demonstrators receive a new issue of Stampin' Success, a magazine filled with some of the best paper crafting artwork new techniques and great business tips.

7.  Demonstrator website - Demonstrators have access on the Stampin' Up! website to fabulous business support.  Everything needed run a successful business is found on the website.

6. Convention - Demonstrators have the chance to attend the Stampin' Up! Annual Convention - think fun and free stamps!

5. Friendships -Demonstrators develop long time friendships with fellow demonstrators, customers and hostesses.!

4. Sneak peeks - Demonstrators get first look at new Stampin' Up! products and get an opportunity to buy it first.

3. Rewards - Demonstrators can earn free product, cash and even a Cruise!

2. Ownership - Demonstrators are business owners.  They decide when they work and how hard.

1. Discounts - Never pay full price again!  Demonstrators get a 30% discount on their first order.  All following orders receive a 20% discount.

Want to know more about being a demonstrator?  Check out the Be a Demonstrator page!

Are you ready to sign up TODAY?  You can now sign up right from your own computer!

Click here to be a Demonstrator with the Stamp Workshop Team!

The link will direct you to the Independent Demonstrator Agreement (IDA).  Read through the agreement and check the "I Agree" box.  In the box, next to where it reads "Enter your Recruiter Authorization Password:" type in StampWorkshop - please note: there is *no* space between the words.

Once you agree to the IDA, you will be ask to supply your basic information.  After you submit this information, you will be given an opportunity to fully customize your starter kit. After selecting your starter kit contents, you're officially a member of the Stamp Workshop Team!  An email containing your new Demonstrator ID number and a temporary password will be sent to your inbox.  It's that easy!

Rub-On Tips

Have you seen the new Rub-Ons in the Spring Summer 08 Collection?  They are found on page 182.  The Rub-Ons come 2 sheets per package, one white sheet and one black sheet.  The retail for $10.95 a pack.

Here are the product names and a short description:
110283 Take Note - Office theme.  Traditional styling.
110282 Anchored- Coordinates with the Crew Classics Style (pg 9 SSo8)
110284 Eastern Elegance - Coordinates with the Eastern Eclectic Style (pg 10 SS08)
110281 Cherished Memories - Romance theme.  Elegant styling.
110285 Urban West - Coordinates with the Boho West Style (pg 13 SS08)

Here are some tips directly from Stampin' Up artists for making your Rub-Ons experience simply sublime.

• When applying bold images, rub your finger over the transfer sheet before using the wooden stick to transfer the image. This will help the image adhere to your project and keep the transfer sheet in place while you fully transfer the image.
• You’ll know that your Rub-Ons image has transferred to your surface when the image becomes lighter on the transfer sheet.
• Pull up slowly on the transfer sheet, being careful not to slide it.
• If you haven’t quite got all the image transferred, just lay the sheet back down and try again.
• Tape your image in place, especially on surfaces like glass and when applying larger or more
• detailed images.
• You can remove Rub-Ons with our adhesive remover if you make a mistake.
• Always store Rub-Ons with the paper backing or your images will come off where you don’t want them to!

To order Rub-Ons, contact me today Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

The Winner is...

Using random.org,

Here are your random numbers:  13
Timestamp: 2008-01-07 10:13:23 UTC

The winner of the More Than 10,000 Hits blog candy is comment number 13...

Samantha!

She wrote:

Congratulations on all your hits. Wow! Wonderful blog candy!!! I have been wanting the new catty. And to add a credit for us to purchase something as well, how sweet of you! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!!

Posted by: Samantha | January 04, 2008 at 05:49 PM

Congratulations Samantha!  Your blog is linked to mine, so your catalog will include a $15 credit!  Please contact me with you snail mail and I'll get those to you right away!

Thanks to everyone who left me a comment and added me to your blogroll!

eclectic Paperie

Today's feature is a wonderful online store: eclectic Paperie

Yes, I know this is a blog "Exclusively featuring Stampin' Up!", but there is a link!  I had the opportunity to meet the fabulous owners, Daisy and Joy, because of Stampin' Up.   I met Daisy and Joy just before they launched their online store. 

I buy all my non-Stampin' Up! products from eP and just love the customer service and the variety of products.  They have a great alterables section.  (Here comes the tie in to Stampin' Up!...)  Check out their 4" coasters.  You can use Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper to cover the coasters to use as a base for desktop calendars.  The covered coasters also make great mini album covers!

So, when you have a chance, check out eclectic Paperie.

Suspension Card

Today's technique is the Suspension Card.  This is a fun an easy interactive card!  I made this card for a swap I was in.

Here are the directions to make a suspension card:

Step 1: Start with a card base.  In this case I used Certainly Celery.  I stamped the front of the card with the Flannel background stamp.

Step 2: Create a "cover up" layer.  Here I used Bashful Blue and layered a piece of Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper.

Step 3: Use temporary adhesive to adhere your "cover up" layer to the card base.  Make sure you place the layer where you want it to finally sit on the card base.

Step 4: Take a 1 3/8" circle punch and punch through the front of the card card and the "cover up" layer.  This hole will be where the suspended medallion will be.

Step 5: Remove the "cover up" layer and set it aside.

Step 6: On a scrap piece of cardstock, stamp two identical images small enough to fit a 1 1/4" circle.  .  Take your 1 1/4" punch and punch out those images.

Step 7:  To make the suspended medallion, take a piece of string approx 2" long (linen thread or even dental floss works for this) and adhere it to the backside of one of your 1 1/4" pieces.  It should be vertically right in the center.

Step 8: Adhere the remaining 1 1/4" circle to the backside of the first 1 1/4" circle.

Step 9: Lay your card flat.  Lay the medallion in the center of the punched 1 3/8" hole.  The excess string should be at the top of the circle and the bottom of the circle.

Step 10: Use sticky strip to keep the string in place.

Step 11: Adhere the "cover up" layer back in place.  This will cover up the string.  Now the suspension portion of the card is complete.

Step 12: Finish card as desired.  All done!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Cause for Celebration, Wild About You

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, So Saffron

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers, Linen Thread, circle punches, small corner rounder, distresser tool, white Signo gel pen, Certainly Celery Grosgrain ribbon, sticky strip, Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper

Technique: Suspension Card

Introducing the Spring Summer 08 Collection!

Have you wondered what the cover of the new Spring Summer 08 Collection looks like?  Well, wonder no more!  The new Spring Summer 08 Collection is here!

To view the new Collection, click here.

Would you like a new catalog of your own?  Catalogs are currently offered at $9.95.  I am offering a special promotion for the new catalog. Purchase a catalog at $9.95 and receive a $10 credit towards a future purchase!  The catalog will be mailed to you at a cost of $4.60 via priority mail, or local customers can make arrangements to pick it up.  Offer good only in the US.

As always, you can find a link to this Collection and any current catalog on the left hand side of this blog.  Just click the cover of the catalog you want to view.

You may notice that the Spring Summer Preview Brochure is still posted.  This brochure lists two great promotions going on right now.

The first promotion is the Valentine Bundle.  This promotion was featured in a previous post.  To see it, click here.

The other promotion is a way to earn any stamp set from the Preview Brochure FREE!  If you host a workshop or catalog party and sales reach $350, you will earn any one stamp set from the Preview Brochure.  Contact me today to set up a local workshop.

If you are a long distance customer, you can still benefit!  A catalog part is the way to go!  Simply show the catalog to friends and family.  They place their orders and you reap the benefits!  Contact me to set up your catalog party, or for more information.

Happy Stampin'!

Over 10,00 hits!

Back on the 30th, during my "posting slowdown", this blog hit 10,000 hits!  So, to celebrate, I, of course, *have* to offer up some blog candy!  So, in the spirit of the new catalog, that's what I'm offering!  So, if you want a NEW Spring Summer 08 Collection catalog of your very own AND a $10 credit towards a future purchase, leave me a comment in this post.  Please make sure I have a way to contact you when you win!  If you like my blog, add me to your blogroll!  As an added bonus, if the winner has this blog linked to theirs, your credit will be increased to $15!

The winner will be picked randomly using random.org.  Check back on Monday, January 7th for a winner!