2014 Stampin' Up! convention swaps

• Stampin' Up Convention Swaps 2014
• Let's get together each month and make our Paper Pumpkin kits
• Paper Pumpkin kits are 50% off for your first two kits

I can hardly believe Stampin' Up! convention is already over.  It went by so fast!.  I'm so excited about all the new kits and the  Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog we were able to see and buy from right at the show.  I'll be busy making samples until the official launch of the catalog to customers on August 28, 2014.

Meanwhile, here are the three swaps I did for this year's event.  Stay tuned over the next few days as I show you some of the fantastic swaps I received in return.


 

Stampin' Up! World of Dreams

The Stampin' Up! annual catalog went live in June, and I'm playing with all the new rubber stamp sets, polymer set, which I'm beginning to favor more and more, new punches, dies, and embossing folder. 

Here's the recipe for my first Convention swap card.

 
Recipe
Stamps: World of Dreams
Paper:   Back to Black, Whisper white, Smoky Slate
Inks:  Jet Black Stazon
Accessories:  Naturals Can Dots
 

The Stampin' Up! annual catalog went live in June, and I'm playing with all the new rubber stamp sets, polymer set, (which I'm beginning to favor more and more), new punches, dies, and embossing folders.

 

This is the card I used for Sherri Robinson’s shoe box swap of 50 cards. Sherri has been hosting this swap for as long as I can remember, and it is one of my favorite swaps. This year, I believe the quality was the best-ever. I came away with cards I enjoyed making and that I’ll be proud to display. Here’s my card for this swap:

 

Stampin' Up! Traveler stamp set

• Recipe: 
  

  Stamps:  Traveler (pg. 38), World Map background stamp (pg. 38)

  
  

  Ink:  Jet Black Staz-on, Baked Brown sugar

  
  

  Paper:  Basic Black, Baked Brown Sugar, Naturals Ivory (page 193)

  
  

  Accessories:  1-1/4 Burlap Ribbon (pg. 207), Very Vintage Designer Buttons (pg. 209), Baked Brown Sugar Thick Baker’s Twine (p. 207)

  
  

  Tools:  On Film Framelit, Paper Piercer (for poking out the small pieces of the photo frame), Big shot Die-Cutting machine, and Magnetic Platform, Bone Folder, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (pg.221), Dimensionals, Red Sticky Strip tape, Stamping Sponges (Pg. 210)
   

Sherri is displaying her gorgeous face painting from the Awards night after-party.

 

 

 

This raised flower card was a third swap card I made for Convention.  I used this one for Lyssa’s Convention 2014 “Now This is convention Quality” Swap.  As usual, the swaps from this swap were wonderful. 

 

 

Flower Frenzy Bigz L Die

 

 

 

I brayed White velum card stock with Pink Pirouette.  Once dry, I used the Flower Frenzy Bugz L Die to cut the flowers.  I creased from just about the center of the flower to the tip of the petal with a bone folder and then pinched the velum card stock together giving it a slightly raised effect.  The center was held together with a Candy Dot Brad Base with a Pearl in the center.  I was able to cut several flowers at once using the Big Show die.  Then all four of the cut flowers used to make one flower fit into the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder for a single run through the embossing machine.  I attached the flower to the Whispers White layer before mounting to the Pink Pirouette layer so the brad back was hidden.  Take a look at a few more swaps and card samples from the convention display boards on the photos link in my Meetup site.

Recipe: 

• Stamps: None
• Ink: Pink Pirouette,
• Paper: Lullaby DSP, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, White Velum Card Stock
• Accessories: Candy Dot Brad Bases, Pearl Basic Jewels, Blushing Bride ¾” Chevron Ribbon
• Tools: Brayer, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions folder, Fancy Fan Textured Impressions embossing folder, Big shot Die-Cutting machine, and Magnetic Platform, Textured Boutique Machine, Flower Frenzy Bigz L Die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Bone Folder

 

Lyssa has so much fun at her own swaps. . .and she was honored with many awards this year including Founder’s Circle!  Yeah Lyssa!

 

 

 

This year is going to be so much fun for stampers.  Stampin’ Up! is making it easier and easier for demonstrators and customers to get our projects done quickly – just what we need with our busy schedules and lack of storage space for all our supplies.  Three kits from Convention I’m excited to tell you about:

 

Paper Pumpkin kits are going to be even more exciting!  These once-a-month kits offer even more value, with precut papers and accessories included, giving you everything you needs (except the usual scissors, glue, etc.) to make cute projects that you’ll be excited to use for birthdays or gifts. Order month to month, or save money by signing up for a monthly subscription.

 

• I'm thinking about hosting a monthly Snack, Chat and Craft meetup for ladies who want to get together and make the Stampin' Up! monthly Paper Pumpkin kit.  Let's share ideas for ways to use the kit other than the standard way the kit is configured.  Any interest?  Sign up for my mailing list or leave me a comment below.
• Don't receive your monthly Paper Pumpkin kits yet?  Sign up between now and Sept 10 and get your first two months at 50% off.  Shipping is free.

 

 

With fall / winter holidays right around the corner, Stampin’ Up! is introducing two more kits – both coming with the  Holiday mini catalog at the end of August.  U.S. Demonstrators can begin pre-ordering items 1-August-2014.   One Halloween wreath kit and the other is a Watercolor Winter Card Kit – two super-fun projects. These on page 36 and 37 when you receive your copy of the new Holiday Mini catalog next month, if you’re one of my regular customers.  If you don’t have a U.S. demonstrator and need a copy of the holiday mini catalog, send me a quick note before the end of July so I can add you to my catalog mailing list.

 

Sign up on my mailing list to be notified of these upcoming classes:

 

· August - Birthday Cards

· September – Treat bags

· October – Thank you cards

· November – Gift tags

· December – Last-minute Holiday cards and tags

· January – Valentine’s Day

· February – Thinking of You

· March – Graduation gift giving

· April - Mothers’ Day card

· May – Father’s day cards

Enjoy!

 

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping 
Current Promotions:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/promotions

Start You Own Business:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/careerplan

Host a workshop:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/hostaworkshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/catalogs

 

 

Stampin' Up! Retired stamps and accessories lists announced + Free shipping until April 25.

• Retiring stamps and accessories lists announced
• Act Quickly.  Some items are already out of stock.
• Free standard shipping on your order April 21-25

Every year I hear from someone who waits too long before placing their order from the current catalog.  

"Oh please...you have to help me! I'm in the middle of making 100 Graduation invitations and I need just one more package of .... Well, you fill in the blank. What do you do?  Start your project over, from scratch, using a different set of colors?  Or create a whole new design because the stamp set you wanted to use sold out before May 31?  

Thank goodness I have a wide circle of demonstrator friends to help me find that final pack of retiring paper or that perfect stamp set.  We've been able to help our customers find a lot of what they need...but not everything.  Sometimes when they're gone; they really are gone!

Why take that chance?  Follow my lead.  I'm going through my catalog now to see which stamps and accessories I'm going to order before this year's catalog expires.  And I'm taking advantage of free standard shipping between April 21 and April 25, 2014!  Plus I'm going to qualify for hostess benefits if my order is over $150!  (Free products!)  Please don't wait.  Products on these lists are only available while stocks remains.  This is your last chance to purchase these items before the release of the new Stampin' Up! 2014-2015 catalog in early June!  Download the retired lists today and order now, while everything is in front on you. 

Click on image to download Retiring Stamps: 

Click timage to immediately download

Click on image to download Retiring Accessories:

Some items have already sold out.  Click list to download.
Check list before ordering.

Free standard shipping is available on purchases until Friday, April 25.

These in-colors and Designer Series Paper Stacks will retire.

2012-2014 In Color Designer Series paper Stack-item 130137--retires June 4

Remember that the 2012-2014 In Color designer Series paper Stacks, (item 130137) the 12 X 12 40 sheet paper packs will retire, too.  You'll want at least one of these paper stacks to coordinate with your retiring colors

You can quickly scroll through images of all of the retiring stamps and accessories here.   Use the pull down to show all.  Which stamp set or accessory are you the most sad to lose and why?  For me I think it is the Framed Tulips Textured Impressions embossing folder die and the Full Heart punch.  Both are long-time staples for creating wonderful projects.

To place an order for any products above:  Visit my Stampin' Up! Store 

Quick Links

• Want to purchase at a discount?  Sign up for $99; get $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products
• View Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
• Order a 2013-2014 Annual catalog or Occasions catalog - now available
• Newest weekly digital downloads for My Digital Studio
• Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping 
Current Promotions

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Drama in Black and White

• Dazzle without color
• Black and white Easter Eggs

I read a comment from a photographer once who said, "Color wants to dazzle your eye and mind so much that at time it tires."  I'm constantly looking on-line for card ideas.  Sometimes I see so many colors together in a card that I wrinkle my nose and turn away because the color choices and card design lack synergy. I'm drawn back to back and white.  It's not just the simple absence of color; its the drama you can create with a simple black and white.  Almost any creation in black and white can create drama.  Take a look at the eggs in the basket I created as part of my Easter display this year. 





The drama of black and white.  Click for larger image





 The  Occasions Catalog includes the Simple Stems stamp set used on this card.  Its a design I've used  before, updated with stamps available now. I cut three layers of flowers and added dimensions between the layers.  The sentiment is also raised on dimensionals.  The butterfly is hand-cut, with wings folded up from the body to add more texture to the card.

Simple Stems Thank You Card.  Click to see a close up image.

Recipe
Stamps: Simple Stems (133098-w; 133101-c); Flowering Flourishes (131998-w,126367-c), Papillon Potpourri (132058-w; 123759-c) 
Paper:   Whisper White, Basic Black
Inks:  Black Stazon
Accessories:  Small Oval and Large Oval punches, Essentials (126187) Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals.




These eggs were so easy to make.  There great conversation starters.  Simply use your paper piercer to make small holes in each end of an egg.  Blow through the top hole until the contents of the egg flows out the bottom hole.  I made my husband a very large omelet Sunday morning with the contents from the blown eggs.  After washing the eggs I dried them and once dry, I used a Black Sharpie Pen to create the designs.






Eggs designed with a Sharpie marker pen.



 The eggs were designed with a Black Sharpe and look wonderful in a white milk glass basket I've had forever.  What are you designing for Easter this year?

Quick Links

• Download the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog now
• Want to purchase at a discount?  Sign up for $99
• NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
• Order a 2013-2014 Annual catalog or Occasions catalog - now available
• Newest weekly digital downloads for My Digital Studio
• Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping 
Current Promotions

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Spring Blossoms with Simple Stems

With the weather in Houston turning balmy this weekend, it made me reach for the fresh Spring colors in the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper along with the Simple Stems Stamp sets.





Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper

The  Occasions Catalog includes the Simple Stem Stamp Set, which was cut into three layers with Dimensions between the layers.  I love cards with lots of layers and the die cut, ribbons and hand-cut flower layers make me think of colors I want to wear this spring.  I doubled the 3/8" Crisp Cantaloupe Ruffled Stretch Trim.   Candy dots worked perfectly in the upper corner.  The little  thank you sentiment is from Express Yourself stamp sets punched on Word Window and mounted on the Modern Label punched shaped.  I hope you enjoy this fresh card. 

Recipe
Stamps: Simple Stems (133101 - C), Express Yourself (130339-C)
Paper:   Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper (133521), Pool Party, Whisper White
Inks:  Calypso Coral, Gumball Green, Basic Black
Accessories:   Modern Label Punch Word Window punch, Candy Dots, Deco Labels collection framelit (130102),  Big Shot Die Cut Machine and cutting Pads, Big Shot Magnetic Platform (130658), 

Quick Links

• Download the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog now
• Want to purchase at a discount?  Sign up for $99
• NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
• Order a 2013-2014 Annual catalog or Occasions catalog - now available
• Newest weekly digital downloads for My Digital Studio
• Clearance Rack - New products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping 
Current Promotions

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

St. Patricks day is just around the corner. You'll be ready with this MDS download

• Sympathy card from Leadership 2014
• St. Patrick's day party favors made easy with MDS download
• Join Stampin' Up! for $99 and get $150 worth of products of your choice

One of my favorite cards I swapped for during Leadership in January was buried at the bottom of my bag until just today.  I'm so thrilled I found this.  I remember spotting this swap from across the lobby of the George R Brown Convention center.  Kathi had a crowd around her -- and you can see why.  This is a beautiful yet simple card.  Unfortunately, I didn't get Kathi's last name to give her credit for this wonderful card, but I'll be happy to add a link back to your site, if you contact me.





Leadership Swap - Jan 2014

Recipe
Stamps: Serene Silhouettes (132073-w; 127324-c)Sentiment:  Brighter Tomorrow (retired) Alternative:  Love & Sympathy or Simply Sketched.
Paper:   Modern Medley, Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Very Vanilla
Inks:   Basic Black
Accessories:  White Candy Dots from the Neutrals collection

To place an order for any products above:  Visit my Stampin' Up! Store 


Luck 'O The Irish Ensemble - Digital Download - Item 137092

Where else will you find all the items you need for a party for $9.95.  The Luck 'O The Irish Ensemble MDS Digital Download (added on 2/11/2014), includes all of these

• Double-sided designer postcard template
• 7 page décor template (8-1/2 X 11) -- so you can print it at home. ,
• 16-piece SVG stamp brush set
• 14 embellishments
• 2 punches

Luck 'O The Irish Digital Download - 137092 - US$9.95 - Click for larger image

All of these fun items, including a tiny leprechaun's hat are included in this download.  Use your favorite Greens - Certainly Celery, Gumball Green plus Crushed Curry, Whisper White and Basic Black.

Here is a close up of some of the cute items you can make with this download.  Click for larger image.

All of these items are included in this one digital download - for only US$9.95 - 137092.  Click for larger images. 

All of these images come with your download.  They can be colored any colors you want and re-sized to fit your project.  Use them for a party or to dress up a black board or decorate a class room.  Use the download with My Digital Studio, or import it into your favorite digital design software.  (P.S.  I used photo templates from My Digital Studio to add these MDS download images to my blog.  You'll find yourself using this versatile design software for so many projects, once you decide to try it.)

Join Stampin' Up!

As a Stampin' Up Member, you get

• $150 product for $99 for your start up package
• 20% discount on products
• great ideas; even better friends

Take a look at three different suggested orders you could choose for your Sign Up package.

1. First package - if you've never stamped and are new to stamping and scrapbooking and you want a selection of supplies to get started preserving your memories.
2. Second package - If you're re-signing and want to order the Big shot package for enhancing your creative gifts
3. Third package - If you're into digital designing and want to own My Digital Studio design software and some of the popular downloads for creating memorable parties and photobook templates and swatchbook templates for great personalized gifts. 
4. Or create your own sign-up package choosing just the products you want to own. 

Sign up to save 20 percent on products purchased as a hobby demonstrator; sign up to earn a little extra cash for a vacation or a special purchase; or sign up to turn your hobby into a business -- without working retail hours or the expense of carrying inventory.  

An  extra bonus for signing up now -- that's never been offered before -- is a free conference pass to the yearly Stampin' Up Convention in Salt Lake City in July 2014-celebrating 26 years of business.  I added that in light of all the recent closings of long time scrapbooking companies. With ~55,000 demonstrators world-wide, Stampin' Up! is one of the strongest companies you'll find to join -- very important in today's economy. So if life got in the way of your joy of stamping and scrapbooking, now is a great time to re-join because of the special offered for new Stampin' Up! demonstrators to attend  this year's conference.

Join thousands of other Stampin' Up! demonstrators in classes taught by Stampin' Up! home office expert and some of the most successfully demonstrators in the industry, on Stampin' Up!'s newest products and techniques for traditional or digital scrapbooking and cardmaking.  Take photos of thousands of new ideas for scrapbook pages, cards and paper crafts that will feed your creativity for months to come, special events and receptions, awards, free stamps and products from the Prize Patrol during General Sessions, tours of the Stampin' Up! campus and lots of fun with other stampers and crafters.   

Creative outlet, creative cards, gift cards Enjoy creative accomplishments

Quick Links

• Download the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog now
• Want to purchase at a discount?  Sign up for $99
• NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
• Order a 2013-2014 Annual catalog or Occasions catalog - now available
• Newest weekly digital downloads for My Digital Studio
• Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping 
Current Promotions

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Heartfelt thoughts as Valentine's Day nears

• Heartfelt Valentine Card
• My 3 favorite My Digital Studio downloads this week
• Paper Pumpkin kits now include more plus FREE marker set!

Creativity is such a funny animal.  I had a completely different card in my head when I started making today's card.  ...Well, I DID picture a white card with a red glittery heart.  My original plan called for a fancy double embossed card front mounted on a white base card ... until my Framelit cut a heart in the center of my card instead of embossing.  But it really doesn't matter, because I like how this card turned out!  We've been talking a lot at work about designing new products and how sometimes you get part way down the road and you need to pivot in a different direction.  Well, that what I did.  I started in one direction and pivot in another direction when my original direction didn't work out.  It's all about remaining flexible and moving quickly. 

Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.

Robert Heinlein





It wasn't until I was holding the Banner Blast stamp set in my hand while searching for a different sentiment set that I realized how perfect this set, with its matching Banner punch, would work on my card.  

There's something about hearts and love and caring for another person that makes Valentine's Day a really special holiday...Think about it. Aren't the best holiday's about love?  Your Anniversary... The loving spirit of giving during Christmas.. .And then there's Valentine's Day.  Love the quote below.

If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.

Steve Jobs 

 

Recipe
Stamps: Banner Blast ((133551-w, 133554-c)  Tip:  I usually buy clear mount stamps to conserve storage, however, when a set has several small pieces, like this set; I find that buying wood instead of clear mount saves me time.  First from mounting on clear blocks every time I use them, and, second, they are less easily lost on my messy scrap tables. 
Ink:  Real Red
Paper:   Whisper White cardstock, Red Glimmer Paper (121790)
Accessories:  Banner Punch (133519) (Can only be earned as a free gift with a $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration, 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack (129387), Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199), Small Heart Punch (117193), Large Heart Punch (119883), Hearts A Flutter Framelits,  Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Magnet base, and cutting Pads, Beautifully Baroque (130917)Embossing Folder

To place an order for any products above:  Visit my Stampin' Up! Store 

My favorite My Digital Studio downloads  for 4-Feb (this week)

1.Kaleidoscope Design Series Paper Digital Download (137068)

This download includes 3-piece SVG stamp brush set (overlays)
 and 9 Designer Series Paper

This is a digital version of the Kaleidoscope Designer series Paper I used for projects showcased during last week post, featuring fresh new geometric designs featured in clothing and home decorating products this season.

So you can order these paper as both paper version (Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper (132995)) or as digital versions (137068) -- you choose! (Or like me, order them both!) 

 

 

2. My second favorite download from the new weekly MDS downloads is the Perfect Pennants Stamp Brush Set (137042).  This MDS down load includes a 9-piece SVG stamp brush set.

 

 

 

3.  And my third favorite download comes from the Weekly deals page.  The Sweetest Ever Valentine's Designer Template (129009) which if on sale for only $5.95.  See all this week's Weekly Deals here .

This download was introduced 12/27/2011.  It includes 2-page 8-1/2 X 11 décor designer template, 18 piece stamp brush set and 8 embellishments.  It is designed specifically to gift treats like Lollipops, mini chocolates, Cello bag topper, candybar wrappers and additional labels and tags to add to any treat.  Remember that you can customize colors on stamp brushes.

See what's trending in digital stamping and scrapbooking by visiting, My Digital Studio Site.  Video tutorials, classes, Gallery and a community of users for tips and inspiration.

Last few days to order your Paper Pumpkin monthly kits and get Free in-Color Markers

Dates: January 11-February 10, 2014

Just  a few more days to get the free markers when you sign up for Paper Pumpkin monthly kits.  Cancel any time or putting your kits on hold is easy.  And you're in for great surprise if you're already one of my Paper Pumpkin subscribers.  The new monthly kits now include more product for the same price! 

Details: NEW Paper Pumpkin subscribers who sign up at My Paper Pumpkin before February 10, 2014, will receive a FREE set of 2012-2014 In Color Stampin' Write Markers -a $14.95 value.  And the Feb and March kits are fabulous! We we're given a "behind the curtains" preview of the next two kits--Feb and March--,  very impressive amount of product you'll get in these kits!

Watch this video that shows what the January 2014 Paper Pumpkin Kit looked like.  You can see all of the products unwrapped as part of the kit.  These kits are great for new stampers who want to try stamping and have finished projects within a short stamping session, but don't want to make a big investment in stamping supplier. Each monthly kit include what you need to make the cards plus instructions...or use your creativity to come up with your own designs.   It is a great social activity for any age.

• This special offer is only valid for new subscribers.
• Customers must sign up at My Paper Pumpkin
• The markers will be sent with your Welcome Kit. No coupon code is required. Anyone who signs up for a Paper Pumpkin membership during the promotion dates will receive a set of 2012-2014 In Color Stampin' Write Markers.

Quick Links

• Download the Sale-A-Bration flyer now
• Browse the Occasions Catalog or download any of the catalogs for FREE
• Prepare your Valentines early - Hurry, special valentine products available while they last!
• NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
• Order a 2013-2014 Annual catalog or Occasions catalog - now available!!

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping 
Current Promotions

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs