June 2020 Part 1

Hello Everyone! 

It has been at least 10 weeks since we were asked to “shelter in” our homes to help slow down or stop the Coronavirus from spreading.  We’ve been diligent in following the guidelines and it is paying off – thank goodness.  We are not out of the woods yet but are on our way to a “new normal” of interacting with others. There hasn’t been much to celebrate during this time and that is why I am so excited (and, hopefully, you are too) that the 2020-2021 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog is going live on Wednesday, June 3!!!!! Yep, that’s the date you can start ordering all that new product!!  Yippee!  

 

There are so many beautiful new stamp sets and dies, designer series papers, inks, tools, ribbons…well, you get the picture. 

Mark Your Calendars

To launch this great catalog and to help you get familiar with it, I will be holding an hour-long Zoom, Catalog Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m. (PDT).  There will be prizes awarded for the first correct answer to each question and a “grand prize” of the coveted Little Ladybug Stamp Set and matching Ladybugs Dies (shown below) will be given to whomever gets the most first-response, correct answers. 

     

  

Now for the fine print:

     1. This is only open to customers who received a 2020-2021 Stampin' Up! Catalog from me (whether it was mailed, picked up or delivered).  Don't have a catalog but want one?  Contact me.  They are only $4.00.

     2.  An email will be sent later this week giving you the link for the Zoom Scavenger Hunt, so watch your email!  You must have Zoom downloaded to your desktop, laptop, iPad or tablet in order to participate.

     3.  You may only win one free prize for a correct, first answer no matter how many times you are the first one to respond.  If you win a prize, don't give up as you  may win the Grand Prize by having the most first-response, correct answers!

     4.  Downline members may participate in the hunt for viewing/learning purposes only (you may not earn any free prizes).

Now Is The Time to Consider Becoming a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

Why?  Because not only will you get $125.00 in merchandise for only $99.00 but you also get to choose any stamp/tool bundle for FREE. Now, that’s a deal!!  This promotion runs until the end of June.

 

Becoming a Demonstrator Not for You?…

Then, maybe you will want to consider hosting a virtual or online Annual Catalog Kickoff party because there are extra Stampin’ Rewards for any party held June 3-30.

 

That’s right - get an additional $25.00 in Rewards with a qualifying $250.00 party or get an additional $30.00 in Rewards with a qualifying $300.00 party.  Raise the roof on this one - whoo, hoo!!

That’s all the “news” for June.  See June 2020 Part 2 for class information.

 

May 2020

So...here we are six and a half weeks into "sheltering in" due to the pandemic. How have you been passing the time?  Cleaning out those cupboards that you've planned to get to for years or downsizing your wardrobe by FINALLY getting rid of those clothes that you'll "fit into" one of these days or, maybe, finishing those unfinished craft projects? No matter what you have been doing, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!  Each task completed or "me time" taken is an accomplishment to be commended!  Most of us don't take the time to just do nothing or get to those closets and drawers, but it sure feels good once you do!!
Okay, okay, enough about that - on to other things...

Here's what is noteworthy this month:

Stampin' Up! DISCONTINUED PRODUCT LIST 
Yes, our 2019-2020 Annual Catalog is coming to an end on June 2.

                    

That means the list of items being discontinued is available.  You may want to take a look at what's going away to see if there is something you want to get.  Remember that items are available while supplies last, so don't hesitate to place that order!!  (To see the list of discontinuing items, go to my website and click the "Specials" tab.)

2020-2021 CATALOG
The new annual catalog will go live for ordering on June 3, but I will be ordering some next week and should receive them by the 15th.  I'll let you know when they come in so that you can get your copy early.  

COVID-19 GIVEBACK
Between now and June 2, Stampin' Up! is providing a way for you to help make a difference in our world by offering a Share Sunshine PDF Download in which 100% of the proceeds goes toward the COVID-19 efforts. 
                       
The cost of the PDF download is $12.00.  The digital stamp set is packed with both lighthearted and heartfelt sentiments and imagery relevant to the unique COVID-19 and social distancing situation we’re currently experiencing.  Simply print the imagery on cardstock and cut it out using a paper trimmer, punches, or dies. Since we are physically distanced from each other, now is a perfect time to share sunshine with our friends and family by sending cards! 

When you purchase the download, you choose which organization is to receive your contribution: The World Health Organization's COVID-Solidarity Response Fund or United Way Worldwide's COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. Both of these charities support front-line responders and vulnerable communities to the pandemic.

ORNATE GARDEN EARLY RELEASE
This promotion is still available for the entire month.                    

For pricing information, please look at last month's blog or visit my website and click on the "Specials" tab.

CLEARANCE RACK
While on my website, make sure to glance at the clearance rack. Lots of new items have been listed!!

STAMPIN' REWARD PROGRAM
Just a reminder that you need to spend your Rewards by May 31 or you will lose them!  If you have rewards available, an email was sent to you with the amount - can't remember if you spent yours yet?  Text or email me and I'll let you know.

CLASSES
I have classes scheduled for May 28-31. I'm hoping that we will be able to go forward with those classes, but I expect an announcement by May 15 from Ventura County regarding our sheltering in.  Many of you have already signed up for class, so I will be in contact with you if we need to make changes.  In the meantime, here is the schedule:
     Thursday, May 28 (9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.)
     Friday, May 29 (9:00 a.m. - noon)
     Saturday, May 30 (9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.)
     Sunday, May 31 (1:30 -4:30 p.m.)

And...here are the projects:
I do owe an apology to any of the demonstrators that I CASE'd or got inspiration from for the first 3 cards.  I don't have my notes on where I found them.  All of the stamp sets used are being discontinued at the end of the month.

Very cute card using the 

Flourishing Phrases stamp set.

This stamp set is called Enjoy Life and

is perfect for a male birthday card.

I was so sad to see that this stamp set,

Lovely Is the Day, is being discontinued.

It is a beauty for all occasions.

If time allows, we will make this card

which utilizes a stamp set that had

been offered in Sale-A-Bration.

I love the simplicity of this card which was 

CASE'd from Jill Chapman.

That's all I have for this month.  Be safe and stay healthy.  

Thanks for stopping by!!

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

       

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

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

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