Sweet Stamper

Howl-o-Ween Creeps

Happy Halloween--and here's another great handmade card using Howl-o-Ween Creeps from my swap stash.  (I swap with some fabulous stampers:) This cute stamp set is in the Holiday Mini Catalog, and even if you haven't purchased it yet, there is still time to get it to tuck away for next year.

We are finally here on this much-anticipated day!  I hope you have plans for a fun day/evening.  My grandkids and granddogs are all coming to my house tonight in costume.  It will be a great photo op!  I can't wait to see them!

It's also my birthday, so we will be celebrating my birthday while passing out candy to trick or treaters.  There are lots of kiddos in my neighborhood, and I can't wait to see the creative costumes.  I wish you a Happy Halloween!

Sounding Joy

Joy is the main atmosphere of the Christmas season, and this card (made using Sounding Joy stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog) communicates that in a big way!  This is another card I received in a swap and makes the "joy" of the Christmas season take stage, front and center.

Why is joy the main atmosphere and theme of the Christmas season? 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Luk 2:10-14 KJV) (bold face, mine)

but the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.
(Luk 2:10 GNB)

It's because the entire reason we have a season of Christmas, the message of Christmas, the Person of Christmas, is wrapped up in joy!  What was the good news that would bring such joy to ALL people?  That Jesus had come as our saviour!  Why are so many songs sung about His coming to earth, so many paintings and other artwork (including hand stamped cards!) formed to celebrate His coming to earth?  Because Jesus came to bring life.  Not life as in being alive.  Because being alive is not enough.  In the heart of every living soul is a longing, a hunger for something more.  God made us that way, and we are only completely alive when Jesus becomes our saviour. 

That is not something that happens in your head or something you "get educated" about.  It's a transformation of your heart.  And then begins a process of transforming your mind and your soul.  They get wounded walking on the earth amongst fallen people in a fallen world.  Only Jesus can mend and make whole the souls of men. 

Call me at 210-355-5729 and/or check out towercitychurch.com.  I invite you to join us as we walk in joy that only Jesus can bring.  Joy that is expressed in a special way during the Christmas season but lasts throughout all the year...and all your life.

 

Howl-o-Ween Creeps stamp set

The Howl-o-ween Creeps stamp set is shown so creatively with this card I received as part of a Holiday Mini Catalog swap.  Here it is combined with the Peekaboo Frames Bigz Die to create a sort of trap door.  Too fun!  This fantastic die has so many possibilities that range from the beautiful advent calendar on page 36 of the Holiday Mini Catalog to fun cards like this that are sure to delight any age. 

Handmade cards celebrating our many holidays (like the darling handmade Halloween card above made with Howl-o-Ween Creeps stamp set)are a joy to make and a joy to receive.  Start yours today!  You can learn to stamp and make handmade cards free of charge by hosting a Sweet Stamoer Workshop.  What is that?  Well, my Sweet Stamper Workshops are great stamping parties where you get together with friends, everyone makes something to take home, your friends can place orders to make their own handmade cards and scrapbook pages, and YOU earn free stuff!

It's simple, it's fun, and it's a great way to learn to stamp.  Workshops are how I learned to stamp and began building a nice stash of stamping stuff.  Much of it was free as part of Stampin' Up!'s very generous hostess benefits (rewards). 

I'm booking Sweet Stamper workshops for December and January and would love to set a date to stamp with you and your friends.  We can do it at your place or mine--your choice.  I will tell you that at my place, you don't have to clean house!  Call me today at 210-355-5729 and let's get a date on the calendar for stamping fun!

 

Gently Falling stamp set

For today's Saturday Sample, here's another great card using Gently Falling stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  It's another of Cathy Somody's swaps and makes a great masculine birthday card.  Don't you love the Well Worn Designer Series Paper on this handmade card?  And the hemp twine gives lots of touchable texture. 

Supplies:

Stamps:  Gently Falling stamp set, Perfectly Penned stamp set

Ink:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pads; Watercolor Crayons

Paper:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla Card Stocks; Well Worn Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Hemp Twine, Stamping Sponges, Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

CircleTreat Cups

The Circle Treat Cups make handmade cards that are so much fun...and good to eat!  Of course, you needn't restrict yourself to just candy in the Circle Treat Cups, but there are lots of options there.  You get several senses involved in receiving this card, so it's sure to intrigue any age.  You get hearing since the items inside the Sweet Treat cups make some noise, you get sight because it is lovely in its entirety:), and you can get smell going depending on what is inside the cups.  That's more than a card--it's an experience! 

Since it is fall, candy corn is the candy of choice right now, and my swap friend Dorie has use them so creatively here. Once again, this is a Howl-o-Ween Creeps handmade Halloween card, and it's delightful.  With the shape and color of the card copying candy corn, you could easily make this card for other occasions moving into any time during the fall when candy corn abounds.  Of course, we now have candy corn in more colors than the traditional orange, yellow, and white, so the options continue to expand!

Get your Circle Treat Cups today from my 24/7 online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.  At just $2.95 for 12, they are extremely affordable.  They have an adhesive on the rim, so they are super easy to use, and they also come in heart shapes!  Shop from your seat instead of your feet, and have a great weekend:)

Christmas Card Class

Do you have beautiful hand-stamped Christmas cards ready to mail and/or give out?  It's the last Christmas Card Class of 2011, and I'll help you get ready!  Join us for the swan song (just for 2011:) of my ever-popular Christmas Card Class. This class will be a Stamp a Stack.  What's that?  It's where we stamp an entire stack of Christmas cards!    I will have the Christmas music playing and serve coffee and hot cider to set the mood.  $35 covers all supplies and envelopes for 12 custom-designed cards.  There is a class by mail option, but it doesn't include the music or cider:)  I have a theme for this month's class and a special bonus card for all those that have purchased other installments of Christmas Card Class 2011--by mail or in person. RSVP with payment by11/8/11.

 

Christmas Card Stamp A Stack

12 custom-designed cards!!!

Tuesday, November 15th

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon OR

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

All supplies* included plus hands-on instruction during class

Written instructions so you can reproduce your creations!

Lots of atmosphere and fun!

$35.00 payable by check, cash, or credit card--paypal button below

Mail Option: 

 

Class by mail

 All materials included except stamped images

(due to copyright laws and Stampin' Up! policy)
    Includes supplies to make all 12 custom designed cards  

plus matching envelopes
    All cut, scored, punched, and dry embossed (with Big Shot) pieces for all 12 cards
    All cut ribbon pieces
    Prompt delivery of all supplies
    $35 payable by check, cash, or paypal
    Kits sent out on November 17th 

Payment due
November 8th.  

Triple Layer Punch Video

Have you tried our Triple Layer Punches yet? 

Create three coordinated punch images with just one punch. Images look beautiful layered together or separately -- giving you more creative options! Simply move the easy-to-use front lever to the image you'd like, then punch. Three-images-in-one punch body also saves on storage space. Instructions included. Punched images in this punch layer beautifully with images in the Bold Blossom Set.

Take a look at the video below and you can see how the punch is used.  Yes, it's as easy as it looks.......

 

More "My Digital Studio" Just in Time for the Holidays

We've got just what you need this holiday season: lower print prices, more print products, and a holiday hostess digital option!

• Bulk pricing on select print products including: greeting cards, postcards, trifold cards, tags, and swatchbooks. Download MDS_Bulk_Pricing_US_0811
• New print products-more paper options, print sizes, and board books.
• New limited-time My Digital Studio holiday hostess-only ensemble available October 3-December 31!

These exciting updates are available to you now.  Download the Flyer here

and then hop on over to candystamps.stampinup.net to purchase your new downloads and/or My Digital Studio in software and downloadable versions.  It makes for easy holiday cards and gifts for your family using Stampin' Up's fantastic digital designs!  Make your own custom calendars, scrapbooks, and journals for the ultimate in custom gifts.  Handmade, hearfelt...digitally!

Big Shot Special

Can you believe Stampin' Up!'s current Big Shot Special?  It's a free Big Shot!  That's right--YOU can get a free Big Shot!  How do you get it? 

Sign up as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator on my team, the Southern Sweet Stampers.  In addition to getting all the items in the Starter Kit ($345 worth of stamping stuff for $175), you get a free Big Shot (or $100 in other products of your choice).  That means that you begin your stamping business with $445 of brand new Stampin' Up! supplies to get you off to a great start.

Sign up today and begin your profit-making stamping business.  There are numerous ways to make money as a stamping business owner, and I can help you get where you want to be.  Here are some popular ways of using your stamping business income:

• Make your car payment
• Make money for Christmas
• Treat your family to a top-notch vacation
• Provide a 2nd income for your family
• Make enough to pay for all your own crafting including gifts and cards for all your loved ones

Simply go to candystamps.stampinup.net to sign up now or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.  I'll answer any questions you may have and then help you make money, doing what you love!!!  The Big Shot special only lasts through October, so hurry!

Gently Falling stamp set

Here is another card using the gorgeous Gently Falling stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  This is one of the cards we made in my hostess club in San Antonio this week.  Once again, Mocha Morning DSP and Gently Falling stamp set make for a winning combination!  (Scroll down to yesterday's post for another card using this combo.)

Although this handmade card is elegant, it's actually a quick and easy card, coming together in just minutes. 

• Would you like to make cards like this? 
• Do you already stamp and are looking for a group to stamp with? 
• Are you brand new and want to learn to stamp?

My monthly Stampin' Up! hostess clubs are just the right fit for you!  Contact me today to learn more about a place for YOU at my table in the Studio.  We have lots of fun, we enjoy one another's company, and we make awesome projects!  Complete info of my clubs is here.  Call me at 210-355-5729 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com and let's stamp!

Gently Falling stamp set

The new Gently Falling stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog is about much more than fall leaves.  Although I adore fall leaves with their many shapes and colors, this Two Step Stamping set is versatile enough to go from artsy to pretty to masculine to formal and more!  I do love versatility (because I like lots of options:), and Stampin' Up! is so good about bringing that into our crafting through versatile stamps, designer series papers, embellishments, and more. 

This gorgeous card is part of a swap and was made by Cathy Somody.  I love the elegant combination of the Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper and gold embossing.  This is a truly gender neutral card that would be equally appreciated by a man or woman. 

My card-making stamp clubs meet this week, and we are using Gently Falling stamp set combined with Mocha Morning Desinger Series Paper for one of our cards.  I think they are a winning combination, and I'll show you that card tomorrow.  It has a completely different look, once again highlighting the versatility of our stamps and papers.

Have you started your fall and winter handmade cards?  I invite you to shop from your seat, not on your feet, at my 24/7 online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.  You will find the latest and best for all your paper crafting needs without traffic, long lines, huge stores where you walk back and forth trying to figure out what you need, and endless choices with nothing that really goes together.  My online Stampin' Up! store offers coordinated products for easy shopping and fun crafting.  Call me at 210-355-5729 with any questions, and happy stamping!

The Sounding Joy

For today's inspirational Sunday post, I'm sharing this lovely card--made by Yvonne Newton--featuring The Sounding Joy stamp set.  What a gorgeous stamp set for inspirational Christmas cards!  You can make quick and easy cards like this in no time at all with minimum stamping supplies.  It's easy on your time and easy on your budget--a winning combination:)

Don't you love the way the words to this ever-popular Christmas carol are nestled into the star?!  The name of the stamp set, The Sounding Joy, comes from the refrain of the second verse of this very famous carol, and Stampin' Up! managed to squeeze the first and second verses into the star image.

What a fantastic way to spread the joy of Christmas!  This handmade Christmas card conveys, not only the words of a Christmas carol, but the essential message of Christmas.  "Let earth receive her King!" 

Are you making your Christmas cards this year?  If not, why not?  If the answer is you don't know how, call me at 210-355-5729.  I'll help you get on the road of making handmade cards.  You will know double joy as you create beautiful cards like this, enjoying your God-given creativity, and then see the incredible joy people experience as they receive your handmade Christmas cards.  They are handmade and heartfelt:  what could be more appropriate for Christmas:)

Howl-o-ween Creeps

I have more Howl-o-Ween Creeps for you today, beckoning you to "creep on over"!  These cards are so cute!  Again, these are Dorrie's very creative swaps and I am in awe of her creative artistry!  Of course, with the Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper and the Howl-o-Ween Creeps stamp set, this card comes together quite quickly.  Wouldn't you love to receive a handmade card like this inviting you to a Halloween get-together?!  If the invitation is this cute, you know the party will be loads of fun! 

Jump on the band-wagon and start making your own handmade cards and more today!  My Sweet Stamper workshops are a great way to learn the quick and easy art of rubber stamping.  It's a fun, free way to get together with your friends while learning something cool.  Call me at 210-355-5729 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com to book your workshop today!  I'll give you everything you need, and we will have a great time making fun stuff.  I can't wait to stamp with you!

Christmas Lodge Stamp Set

This month's Christmas Card Class uses Christmas Lodge stamp set.  My monthly Christmas Card Class will be a bit different this month due to all the festivities surrounding my stamp camp (stampcamping.com).  I'm having a week day session for class and then Class Kit by Mail and Instructions Only.  So I hope you will join me again.  It's a blue theme:  Christmas Lodge in Blue, with all 3 custom designs featuring blue!  I think you will like it:). Once again, all 3 designs feature the wonderful new Christmas Lodge stamp set (123767 wood and 123769 clear) from the Holiday MIni.

Christmas Card Class-Christmas Lodge in Blue

    Monday, October 17th, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
    Make 6 custom-designed, deluxe handmade cards with envelopes
    2 each of 3 designs
    All supplies included; bring your favorite adhesive*
    $25 payable by check, cash, or paypal (below)

    RSVP with payment by October 14th
    Buy Now 

 
*Bring your favorite basic adhesive such as SNAIL and/or Anywhere Glue Sticks.  All specialty adhesives ie. Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots, etc. are provided.  If you don't understand what I'm talking about, call me at 210-355-5729!

Christmas Class Kit by Mail-Christmas Lodge in Blue

    All materials included except stamps (due to copyright laws and Stampin' Up! policy)   
    Step by step written instructions emailed to you
    Priority Mail delivery of all supplies
    $25 payable by check, cash, or paypal
    Kits sent out on October 19th
    payment due October 14th     

Instructions only-Christmas Card Class-Christmas Lodge in Blue
    Step by step written instructions emailed to you
    Delivery by email within 48 hours of purchase beginning Oct. 17th 
    $4.95 payable by check, cash, or credit card

The 12 Weeks of Christmas Starts Today

 
It's time for the 12 Weeks of Christmas...for stampers!  Beginning today and continuing each Wednesday for 12 Weeks, all my loyal subscribers will receive a free holiday project in their inbox.  The project includes photo(s), supply list, and complete instructions. 
All this is free!  And free is MY favorite price:)

Don't miss this free gift of 12 holiday projects including handmade cards, tags & wraps, and gifts.  Just think of the handmade, heartfelt things you can make for your family and friends this year!  Sign up today by using the little sign up box in the upper left corner of this blog.  My free gift flies freely across the miles of distance between me and you.  Then sit back and let the free projects begin!

Out on a Limb stamp set

This terrific card featuring Out on a Limb stamp set is a real hoot!  I received this handmade card as part of a Holiday Mini Catalog swap, and my friend June created a real gem.  Have you made your Halloween cards yet?  There is still time!  You have several weeks, but it is time to get moving.  I've listed all you need for this card.  Simply go to candystamps.stampinup.net to order all your Halloween supplies today.  Remember that you can use the same supplies for your handmade Halloween cards that you also use for making cute favors, treats, and party decor for a fabulous handmade, heartfelt Harvest or Halloween celebration.

Stamps: Out on a Limb, Delightful Dozen Sets

Ink:  Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin Pads; Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Markers

Paper;  Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Very Vanilla Card Stocks; Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, Scallop Square Punch, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

stampcamping.com

You will want to go to stampcamping.com right now as tomorrow is the LAST DAY to sign up for Homespun Holidays Stamp Camp!  Don't miss this wonderful, full day of creative recreation.  You deserve it!  Here's what you get:

• Full day to create, get inspired, relax, have fun!
• Hundreds of samples to photograph and be inspired by!
• 17 projects to make with our expert helpers on hand to ensure your success!
• Use a variety of materials including fabric (without sewing:) and metal
• Full-color booklet to take home so you can make more!
• Projects include a little bit of Halloween, a little bit of Thanksgiving, and a whole lotta Christmas!
• Fresh box lunch followed by a Top-Chef style dessert!
• Fantastic door prizes!
• Special goodies to munch on!
• Time and space to think about your own holiday preparations
• Support for a good cause:  feeding the hungry in San Antonio

Get ready for your holidays now by coming to our stamp camp. Here's the countdown:

• 28 days till Halloween
• 52 days till Thanksgiving
• 83 days till Christmas

Sign up today at stampcamping.com! 

Tower City Storehouse

You may wonder why I would be posting about Tower City Storehouse, a faith-based food pantry in San Antonio on my stamping blog.  Well, it's Sunday, and on Sundays I do an insprational post.  My upcoming Homespun Holidays Stamp Camp (stampcamping.com) is a charity event benefitting Tower City Storehouse. In addition to donating proceeds from the camp, our campers can bring 3 cans of a meat protein and receive an extra project!  That enables Gail and me to contribute cash and cans to The Storehouse.

What is the Tower City Storehouse?  It's a faith-based food pantry serving San Antonio. There are several unique things about it that I would like to share.  First of all, when people come to TCS, there is NO application process and NO paperwork to fill out.  Guests to Tower City Storehouse simply give their name and number of people in their household.  This helps the Storehouse volunteers to know how many people they are feeding and how much food to give the guest.  That's it!  So simple!  No need to qualify, show ID, etc., etc.  They have a simple need, and the Storehouse has a simple solution.

Guests are offered prayer.  So far, no one has turned that down.  Guests are simply asked, "How can I pray for you?"  Oftentimes, people just want to be heard.  They need to tell their story of hardship and be heard with respect.  People's needs and prayer requests often involve jobs, poor health, abusive relationships and more.  As the volunteers bow their heads in prayer and ask the Lord to help the Storehoue guest, there is a genuine sense that they matter.  Someone listened to them and cared.  After prayer, they receive their food boxes and help to their car (if that is how they arrived).  As a faith-based food pantry, Tower City Storehouse seeks to feed the whole person.

Tower City Storehouse prepares food boxes that include fresh produce (a scarce commodity for the needy), dairy products like fresh milk and yogurt, frozen meat, fresh bread, and non-perishables.  Normally, food boxes have enough food for about a week.

So as you are enjoying your day of creative recreation at the Homespun Holidays Stamp Camp (stampcamping.com), you are helping the needy right here in San Antonio. We are giving "handmade, heartfelt" an even greater depth and meaning as we stamp.  Sign up today, and feed the body and soul of someone in need.

Free Big Shot!

 

Would you like a free Big Shot or $100 to use on anything in the Stampin' Up! catalog???!!!  Sign up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator on my team and get all this during the month of October!  Wow.  I'm amazed at what a great opportunity this is!

This is just in time to help you get your stamping business off to a great start!  You can make some Christmas money and then some:)

• Think of all the awesome things you can show people! 
• Think of all the great things you can make! 
• Think of all that extra income!
• Think of getting paid to do what you love!

Simply join my Southern Sweet Stampers team today:  candystamps.stampinup.net and click Join the Fun.  If you have any questions at all, just call me at 210-355-5729 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.  You will love being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and you will love, love, love my team!  Here are the extra details:

Dates: October 1-31, 2011

• Anyone that joins during the promotion period will receive a Sizzix Big Shot Machine or $100 in Stampin' Up! products of your choice from any of our current catalogs.
• New recruits who join online will be given access to the Promotional Product Bonus one hour after they complete their online IDA (they will be provided a link to OEX for this redemption via e-mail).
• In this order type, they will either enter the item number for the Big Shot (item 113439) or the item numbers for up to $100 in Stampin' Up! products.
• Products can be chosen from any current catalog and shipping is free!
• New Recruits should ensure that their free total comes as close as possible to $100 without going over since the Promotional Product Bonus order type will not allow items beyond $100 to be added to the order.
• Those who mail in their Indepedent Demonstratror Agreements can simply list the items they want for free on their accompanying order form.
• New recruits will have until November 30, 2011, to redeem their product bonus.

And here are a few details about the Starter Kit:

 

• New recruits may purchase the standard or Digital+ Starter Kit, and may add the Stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, or My Digital Studio Software Add-On for the regular add-on price.
• New recruits may substitute a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ($7.95 or less; see pages 218-219) for the Always Bird Décor Elements (p. 233) that comes standard in the Starter Kit.
• New recruits who join Stampin' Up! during this promotion are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit, including but not limited to the Extra 10% Instant Income offer, Stampin' Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit.

Don't wait!  Get started now!  I can't wait to stamp with you...on my team!

Mocha Morning

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm featuring a quick and easy card that lets our Mocha Morning DSP really shine.  When we have such gorgeous Designer Series Papers like this, I like to place them front and center on a handmade card to really let their beauty shine.  This particular design in the DSP features a flocked pattern, so there is touchable luxury in this quick and easy card.

Stamps:  Bring on the Cake (121899 wood, 121958 clear)

Ink:  Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad (101179)

Paper:  Crumb Cake (120953), Basic Black (121045) Card Stocks; Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper (122366)

Accessories:  Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117285), Basics Glimmer Brads (121003), SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

Make your own quick and easy cards like this!  It takes just minutes, plus it's lots of fun:)  Call me at 210-355-5729 or email me by clicking on the Email Candy button to your left and let's have a stamping party (aka Sweetstamper Workshop).  We will choose a date that fits your schedule, you get to invite some friends (we can have our party at your place or mine--it's your choice), I will teach everyone how to make a handmade card and they will make one to take home, and you will earn free stamps and stuff (based on sales)!  It's easy, it's fun, and I can't wait to stamp with you!