Stampin' with Carol

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

April 2020

Happy April Fools Day!! Don’t we all wish this pandemic that has hit us were just an April Fools joke? No one saw this coming. No one predicted that we would be sheltering inside our homes and physically distancing ourselves from friends and family. No one warned us that all our “normal” daily comings and goings would be curtailed. No one imagined that we would be afraid (and sometimes, to the point of paranoia) of “catching” this horrid virus.

BUT – with hope and faith we will get through this and come out the other side better off. Until that time, look at all the opportunities that are being presented to us. I mean, with absolutely nothing on our calendars (and being sheltered in until the end of April), we can get to all those little projects we’ve been putting off…finish those Christmas cards from 2018 (yes, I meant 2018) that you just didn’t have enough time to complete; watch all those TV programs that you DVRed for the last year; sit down and read; complete jigsaw puzzles; or when you are so bored you don’t know what else to do, clean out those closets and drawers!

My first project in utilizing my extra time is to make Easter cards. I decided to make two different ones, one for those individuals I think would like a little "lighthearted" card and the other more on the religious side. Let me show you what I’m making…

Looks like the bunny is eating the flowers,

doesn't it?

And, this one is more faith-based.

Both are adorable, don't you think?

CARD CLUB AND CLASSES

Club members will not be obligated to place an order in April. I hope to have club/class in May which was originally a month when there would not be any classes. (Yes ladies, my trip to Africa was cancelled -sigh-). I will be in contact with those who signed up for April so that we can discuss your availability for May.

Since there are no classes this month, I am offering card kits for purchase instead. So, take a look at the pictures below and let me know if you want any kits for any of the cards. You may purchase one card or all three cards and you may order up to 5 of each. The cost will vary per card ($3.00 to $5.00) depending on whether or not you have supplies at home to complete them. Contact me to discuss the cost.

Card 1

Does this card look familiar? It should; I used this design

for my Easter cards! I CASE'd this from

CreatewithChristy.com

Card 2

This card is a knockoff from the card above,

but is my design

Card 3

This card is CASE'd from Tammy Wilson and

uses the Poppy Moments Dies

ORNATE GARDEN SUITE

This suite is being offered as an early release from the 220-2021 Annual Catalog (which will be mailed out to everyone mid-May). Here is what the entire Suite (#154153, $136.75) includes:


Ornate Thanks Bundle	154115	$46.75
Ornate Style Bundle	154119	$52.00
Ornate Floral 3D Embossing Folder	152725	$9.00
Ornate Garden Ribbon Combo Pack	152479	$7.00
Ornate Garden Specialty DSP	152488	$15.00
Gilded Gems	152478	$7.00
Ornate Thanks Stamp Set	149471	$18.00
Ornate Style Stamp Set	152572	$21.00
Ornate Layers Dies	152726	$37.00
Ornate Borders Dies	152724	$34.00

To see all of the products, go to my website and take a look at them. I will be placing an order on April 15, so let me know if there is anything you want to order.

INVENTORY REPORT

As mentioned in last month's blog, Stampin' Up! is being impacted by the pandemic for manufacturing and receiving products from China. That being said, I wanted to let you know of the products currently being affected. The list below are items "not orderable" as of April 1, 2020.

Bonanza Dies

Garden Gateway Dies

Detailed Bee Dies

Poppy Moments Dies

Painted Labels Dies

Label Me Lovely Punch

Label Me Fancy Punch (can order, but on backorder)

Saddle Brown Stazon Ink

Stitched So Sweetly Dies

Whisper White 1/4" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon

CREATING REWARDS PROGRAM

The Creating Rewards Program year will be coming to an end on May 31, 2020. I will be in contact with you if you have earned points for free product. Just a reminder that you need to claim your free merchandise by May 31 or you will lose it.

I think that is all the news for this month. I want you to know that I appreciate your support and treasure your friendship. Please be careful if you are an "essential service" and out in public taking care of business so that we have food on our tables and medical assistance should we need it. For the rest of us - stay indoors so that we can stop this terrible virus.

Thanks for stopping by. Carol

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

March 2020

The saying goes..."If March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb." Well, here in southern California, it came in like a lion - temperatures dropped 20 degrees from the day before, the wind picked up and rain was forecast (unfortunately, for us in Simi Valley, we didn't see any of that rain - and we need it!). Therefore, I'm expecting "a lamb" to appear and bless us with great weather for the rest of the month!!

SALE-A-BRATION CONTINUES

March is the LAST month of Sale-A-Bration, bummer! Don't you just love getting free product? You may choose from the existing array of merchandise in this brochure...

or,

choose something out of the new March release catalog...

Remember - free items are available "while supplies last", so place your orders soon. (NOTE: the Golden Honey Specialty Designer Series Paper is sold out and not available.)

And, still on the fence about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? You have until the end of this month to join and receive these bonus products below...

a mini paper cutter

a 6" x 6" Designer Series paper sampler

a stamp set of your choice out of any current catalog

(excludes Sale-A-Bration and host sets)

All this in addition to the $125 of your choice of merchandise FOR JUST $99!!

I would be honored to have you as part of my team.

PAPER PUMPKIN NEWS

Are you a Paper Pumpkin subscriber? If so, surprise!!! You are getting an additional stamp set in March's kit!!! Score, you!!!!!

Not a subscriber, but want to join? Copy this link in your browser:

www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=109822

CLASSES FOR MARCH

Regular card classes will be:

Thursday, March 12 (9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

Friday, March 13 (9:00 a.m. to noon)

Saturday, March 14 (9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

Sunday, March 15 (1:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

There is space available in all classes except Saturday afternoon. If that is when you wanted to come, let me know and I'll start a waiting list. Class cost is $15.00 - please bring a basic supply kit with you to class (scissors, glue pen, silicone craft mat, tweezers,

x-acto knife, etc.).

We will be focusing on spring/Easter for this month. and these are the projects we are making:

Not only is this a good spring and

Easter card, but also great for

Mother's Day or a get well card.

Isn't this a darling card?! Perfect

for Easter or a child's birthday. I CASE'd

this from Yvonne Spikman-VanBruggen.

I'm in love with the Honeybee Stamp Set!

I adapted this card from one originally designed

by my idol, Sue Mohr (love that lady's work!).

Nothing says "spring" like honey bees!!!

I saw this card and CASE'd it from Lynne Hemphill.

I like the simplicity of the card - great as a

Mother's Day, Easter, sympathy or birthday card.

Shadow Box Class:

Sunday, March 29 (12:30 to 4:30 p.m.) - 12" x 12" Shadow Box

Cost: $30.00 plus cost of the shadow box (you may purchase

on your own or I can get it for you)

Class is limited to 6 people

Prepayment of $15.00 will be required at time of sign-up

Questions? Contact me.

One last note - the coronavirus. Stampin' Up! has told us the following:

"It’s likely that delays in production and shipments coming out of China will affect Stampin’ Up!, though we do not yet know to what extent.
The Chinese government is requiring factories to complete a strict approval process before reopening, including an inspection by a government official. If a factory is not approved, they have to get back into the queue to have inspectors come again. And many of the factories that have reopened are not working at full capacity because employees have been unable to make it back to work.

Even when factories are able to catch up on production, our larger concerns are with the difficulty we anticipate in getting those products out of China. Many roads are still closed and transporting items to ports will be difficult. And once there, we are only one company out of thousands trying to get their products out of China. While we would normally try to airfreight delayed products, the limited number of planes flying in and out of China makes this solution improbable."

Please be patient during this time. I will keep you posted as additional information becomes available. In the meantime, you may want to order products, such as dies and punches, soon before current inventory is depleted. Stamp sets, paper and ink are manufactured in the United States and should not be greatly impacted by this virus.

I also ask that if you are scheduled for class next week and are not feeling well, please do not come to class. I ask this for your own well-being as well as your fellow classmates. Thank you for this consideration.

Whew! That should do it for this month. Have a good one and don't forget to set your clocks ahead this Saturday night - Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Carol

Saturday, February 1, 2020

February 2020

Hi Everybody!!

Are you someone who “needs a reason”, such as - birthday, anniversary, Christmas, etc. to send a card? Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, but did you know there are tons of unknown or little-known celebrations for the month of February? Here are a few:

February is…

Canned food Month

National Bake for Family Fun Month

National Embroidery Month

National Snack Food Month

If those ideas are too broad for you, then how about…

February 4 – World Cancer Day

February 5 – National Weatherperson’s Day

February 7 – National Send a Card to a Friend Day

February 10 – National Umbrella Day

February 17 – Random Act of Kindness Day

February 18 – National Drink Wine Day

February 20 – National Muffin Day

February 23 – National Dog Biscuit Day

February 27 – International Polar Bear Day

See that – there are TONS of reasons to send a card! And, don’t forget my favorite of all…just because.

Moving on, classes for the month of February are as follows:

Thursday, February 13 (9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:30–4:30 p.m.)

Friday, February 14 (9:00 a.m. to noon)

Saturday, February 15 (9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:30–4:30 p.m.)

Sunday, February 16 (1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)

The class fee is $15.00, and I have availability in all classes except for Saturday afternoon (I will start a waiting list for that class.). Give me a call, text me or send an email to reserve your space.

Want to see what we’re making? Your wish is my command…

This card was CASE'd from Sue Mohr (one of my favorite

people to CASE). It is such a romantic card to be used for

Valentine's Day or an anniversary. It also has a soft look

and could be used as a sympathy card.

Next, is a card using the Painted Poppies stamp set. And,

when you pair it with the Peaceful Poppies DSP, the possibilities

are endless! This card and the one below were both

inspired from Kim Smith's designs.

Have I mentioned that I love the Painted Poppies and

Peaceful Moments Bundles? I do, I do, I do!!!!

I think this card could be used for every occasion

you can imagine!

Last, but not least... I had to get out of my rut of poppies!

Using the Timeless Tulips Bundle, this card is CASE'd from

Susan Levasseur. Great to send as a sympathy card,

get well card or Easter card.

Below are some more cards created by me or inspired from other demonstrators using the Poppies and Tulips stamp sets. If you have the products for make these at home, you can order a "kit" (consists of cardstock and embellishments) from me for $3.00 each.

*****************

If coming to card class is not your "cup of tea" or you just don't have the time and you would love to make cards at home without having to spend a lot of money or come up with your own ideas, I may have a solution for you. You may want to try a Paper Pumpkin Subscription. What is Paper Pumpkin, you ask? See below...

A MONTHLY CRAFTING SUBSCRIPTION

WHAT'S INSIDE?

With a monthly Paper Pumpkin craft subscription box, you'll save time and money . . . and eventually build a collection of versatile Stampin’ Up! crafting supplies.

Get Creative each Month

Your first kit comes with a FREE, clear stamping block. The box you receive each month contains all the materials you need to craft with ease, from adhesive to precut paper. All you need to do is follow the crafting instructions and assemble the pieces to create a Stampin' Up! card or project. Feel free to let your creativity flow and personalize your Paper Pumpkin craft!

Add to Your Personal Supply of Crafting Materials

Our CRAFT subscription box also doubles as a STAMP subscription box. Every month, as part of your subscription, you'll receive a unique, decorative stamp set and at least one ink spot. Our stamp sets are ideal for all types of crafting projects. Plus, we don't repeat an ink color in a 12-month period, so you'll quickly collect a variety of reusable stamps and ink spots.

You’ll Love Your Monthly Crafting Experience

We know you’ll find something to love about crafting with Paper Pumpkin. You no longer have to wonder about what to make or how to make it. We have everything prepared for you. And every kit is guaranteed. So don’t worry! If you experience any problems with your monthly crafting subscription just contact us at 1-800-STAMP UP or ds@stampinup.com for the answers you need.

And, here's the cost:

Let me know if you want to start a Paper Pumpkin Subscription.

The last thing to mention this month is that Sale-A-Bration is still in full swing. Watch on February 4 for a second release of "free" products!

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...Happy Valentine's Day!!

Carol

Thursday, January 2, 2020

January 2020

HAPPY 2020!! You know, the older I get the faster the years go by! Why is that? And...not only is it a new year, it's a new decade!!!

Anyway, it’s time to be thinking about new beginnings, trying new things and, of course, paper crafting!!!

Sale-A-Bration is also starting TOMORROW!!! Exciting isn’t it – free merchandise with every $50 purchase!! How could you not get excited?!

Talking about trying new things, have you thought about becoming one of my team and joining Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator? Now is a great time to join whether you want to start offering stamp classes or just want to get the 20% discount. For $99, you will get $125 worth of merchandise plus a FREE Mini Paper Cutter, plus a FREE 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper sampler, plus your choice of a FREE stamp set offered in the current catalogs (Host sets and Sale-A-Bration sets are excluded). Contact me to discuss it!!

Maybe being a demonstrator isn’t your cup of tea. You can still get an additional stamp set for “hosting” a Stampin’ Up! party. If you have at least $300 in sales (either a personal order or from a party), you will get this adorable Little Ladybug stamp set. It is soooooo cute!!!!

Classes for January are set for the following dates:

Thursday, January 16 (9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

Friday, January 17 (9:00 a.m. to noon)

Saturday, January 18 (9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

Sunday, January 19 (1:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

There is availability in all classes except Sunday, but I will keep a waiting list just in case of cancellations. The class fee is $15.00, and we will be doing these projects…

I saw this first one on the Stampin’ Up! Facebook page, but can’t remember who posted it. It is perfect as a thank you note for all those wonderful Christmas gifts you received! Or, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it would make a lovely card for someone special. Or, it is an excellent card for an anniversary! Or, what about a birthday card, or… (sigh) you get the picture!!

Next is a very cute box for chocolates or tealights that I CASE’d from Angie Juda. If you need a small gift for fellow co-workers, this is an easy-to-make gift. It is very versatile and can be changed for any occasion, or no occasion – a “just because” gift.

The next two projects at utilizing the Painted Poppies Bundle and the Peaceful Moments Bundle– I fell in love with them as soon as I saw the cover of our January-June Mini Catalog!!

This card is my own design, but the “fun” fold was CASE’d from Song of My Heart Stampers (Lyssa Zwolamek). I adore the Peaceful Poppies Designer Series Paper - isn’t it great on this card!!

And, the last card was CASE’d from Laura Backman. It’s so simple and yet classy.

Whew!! That’s what's happening this month. Have a good one and I'll be back in February.

Thanks for stopping by! Carol

Sunday, September 1, 2019

September 2019

So...I spent 2 hours writing my blog only to lose the whole thing while writing the last sentence - talk about frustration!!! Now, I'm ready to give it another try. Wish me luck🤞.

Let's start out with some exciting news for those of you who have been drooling over the Holiday Catalog. It goes live on September 4 - yay!! If you didn't get one yet, please let me know and I'll take care of it.

And, here's some more exciting news...a Designer Series Paper Sale. Yep, from September 4 through September 30, purchase 3 packages of Designer Series Paper and receive the 4th one free. If you are a hoarder of DSP, this is perfect for you - you can buy one to use and one to keep in your stash! There are select papers to choose from, so see the list below.

ITEM	PAGE	DESCRIPTION	PRICE
149100	166	PERENNIAL ESSENCE DSP	$11.50
149443	166	SEE A SILHOUETTE DSP	$11.50
149481	167	COME SAIL AWAY DSP	$11.50
149484	165	MAGNOLIA LANE DSP	$11.50
149488	165	GARDEN LANE DSP	$11.50
149489	165	FOLLOW YOUR ART DSP	$11.50
149497	165	WOVEN THREADS DSP	$11.50
149589	166	DINOROAR DSP	$11.50
149592	166	BIRD BALLAD DSP	$11.50
149500	167	PRESSED PETALS SPECIALTY DSP	$14.50

Now, let's talk about classes for the month.

Christmas Card Club is scheduled for:

Saturday, September 7 - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (space available)
Saturday, September 7 - 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (space available)

Christmas Club entails me choosing/designing 2 cards. Attendees make 5 cards of each design in class. The cost is $30.00 and participants go home with 10 cards including envelopes. Provided space is available, you may come and make a set of just one of the cards (this must be specified at the time of registering for the class) - the fee is then $15.00. There is a cancellation fee involved for this special class, please contact me for details.

These are the cards we will be making...

This card was made using the Perfectly Plaid

Bundle and Wrapped in Plaid DSP. The original card

was designed by Elaine Smith; then I changed it

to satisfy my taste. It's hard to see the window sheet

that is bridging the top and bottom of the trees, but

attendees will have a choice of a plain white

inside or stamped forest as shown below.

I LOVE this moose and couldn't wait to make a

card with the Merry Moose Bundle. I also

used the Winter Woods stamp set for the

tree in the forefront.

Regular Card Classes are scheduled as listed below.

Thursday, September 12: 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, September 13: 9:00 a.m. to noon

Saturday, September 14: 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 15: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

There is availability in all classes except Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. The fee is $15.00 and we will be making the following cards:

This card was inspired by a card made by

WOW Nola Creations. The colors really

spoke to me. Gorgeous, isn't it?

This was also CASE'd from WOW Nola

Creations. Beautiful fall look to it.

The creativity of Cindee Wilkinson inspired

my version of her card. It's a very romantic

card and, you could place a picture in the

middle instead of wording.

Should time permit, we will make a

Halloween card. Isn't this a cutie?

Nothing scary about this mummy!!

My plan is to use a particular "bundle" each month to show different ways to use the stamps and dies/punches. So, when designing this month's cards, I was so crazy in love with the Daisy Lane Bundle and the Daisy Punch (released in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog), I made a bunch of cards. The cards below were offered as "kits" for the attendees to pre-order. They could order as many kits as they wanted for $3.00 each (they receive all papers, embellishments and envelopes, plus an email with pictures of the cards). No instructions are given and they must complete the kits at home with their own supplies.