Sweet Stamper

Heat Embossing

Which ink is best for heat embossing your handmade cards and other papercrafting projects?  There are two approaches with Stampin' Up!, and both achieve excellent results.

1. VersaMark + Colored Embossing Powder

VersaMark is a versatile "ink" that can be used for stamping to create a watermark look,but it does double duty as it is also an essential ingredient for heat embossing with colored embossing powders.  The Versamark ink is rather sticky, and that is what you need to hold your embossing powder in place so that you can heat it and set it. 

So you can purchase just one VersaMark Pad (102283) and get a lot of different looks by simply changing the embossing powders you use.  This is the method I use for almost all my embossing. 

Here is a card I made using the Cherry Embossing Powder (122949). You can see the different results with our classic ink and heat embossing.  The ornaments on the card below are heat embossed with the Cherry Embossing Powder and therefore are raised up, just like the lettering on a fancy business card.  The little postage stamp is made with a Classic Stampin' Pad.

2.  Craft Stampin' Pad + Clear Embossing Powder

The other method of heat embossing is to use a Craft Stampin' Pad in any color and then add Clear Embossing Powder.  This method allows you to, literally, heat emboss in any color.  The nice thing about this is you just buy one embossing powder.  This is particularly cost-effective if you purchase the Craft Stampin' Spots as you get an entire set of 10 (a whole color collection) for just $19.95.  Clear Embossing Powder (109130) is just $4.75.  So for less than $25, you can heat emboss (and stamp!) in 10 colors!

Whichever way you choose, get in on heat embossing to add depth and texture to your paper crafting projects.  Call me at 210-355-5729 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com today and I'll help you get started.

Handmade Get Well Cards

In the midst of the holiday season, we still need handmade Get Well Cards, and I think they are especially welcome when they incorporate some seasonal elements.  People continue to have surgery, cancer treatments, nasty colds and flu, etc. 

 

Isn't this little girl from the Gift Givers stamp set (Holiday Mini Catalog) just darling?  I think she strikes just the right note for a handmade Get Well card.  I love the use of the Shaker Frames and Mica Flakes (both in Holiday Mini Catalog) to mimic a snowstorm.  It's a perfect seasonal note and something to bring a smile to someone's face who may not otherwise feel like smiling.  This is a great swap I received and is made by Gail Beezley, my stamp camp partner (stampcamping.com). 

Do you have a stack of handmade get well cards on hand?  I encourage you to stop in the midst of your holiday preparations to make a few.  You rarely have adequate notice to make a Get Well card or sympathy card.  They are the kind of cards you just need to have on hand so that when "life happens" to someone you care about, you are ready to express your care, concern, and love. 

If you can't even think about stopping for a half hour or so at this time of year to make cards that are not part of the holiday season, then consider coming to my stamp camps in 2012.  I have 4 on the calendar for next year(they occur quarterly).  The January stamp camp (in San Antonio), Let's Celebrate, features convertible cards.  You will be making cards that have 3-4 greetings each, including Get Well.  That way, once the occasion arises when you need a handmade card, you can choose the greeting you want.  They range from Get Well, to Happy Birthday, to Congratulations, to Thinking About You, to Thank You, and more.  The point of the Let's Celebrate stamp camp is to get you ready for 2012 with handmade cards for every occasion of your life and organizational tools to keep them all straight.  Click here on stampcamping.com to learn more and sign up today.  You can achieve one of your New Year's Resolutions before January is even half way through:  being prepared for 2012 with handmade cards!

20-60% Savings Still Available on Stampin' Up! Items!

There are still 2 days for fantastic savings on Stampin' Up! items that run the gamut from digital dowloads, to fabric, to Big Shot dies,to Decor Elements, to brads, to stamp sets, and the list goes on. 

Click here to see the pdf listing all the items on special as well as the sale price.  There are 64 items in all!  You can save money on your own crafting supplies and/or buy some fantastic gifts for less!  I do like saving money:) The online extravaganza runs through Wednesday, November 30th.  Hop on over to my 24/7 online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net to shop now.  You can shop in my online store while on your lunch break at work, from home at any time, or even while you are visiting relatives and waiting for a holiday meal to be done!  It's simple, it's quick, and it's fun:)  Don't forget to download your Sweet Stamper rewards card and mark it for extra savings where you get $25 free once it is full!  Again, this sale only last another 2 days, so shop now and save!

Stitched Stockings Go Soft

For today's Saturday Sample, I wanted to share this super-sweet and soft handmade card featuring Stitched Stockings that I received in a swap.  I love the soft, sweet color scheme.  Makes me think of "visions of sugarplums" dancing in my head!  The Mica Flakes are just scrummy!

One of the fabulous features of Stampin' Up! products is their incredible coordination which results in awesome cohesiveness in projects.  I love it when things go together!  And Stampin' Up! makes that so easy.  This soft, sweet handmade Christmas card comes together in minutes.  Stitched Stockings stamp set and the coordinating Stocking Builder Punch makes this come together very quickly while looking like it took much longer.  Simple.  Fun.  Stamping!

Supplies:

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings, Wordplay sets

Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Pool Party, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White Card Stocks; Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper

Accessoreis:  Stocking Builder Punch, Mica Flakes, 1/16" Circle, Wide Oval, and Decorative Label Punches, SNAIL Adhesive, Two Way Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

To purchase any of these supplies and more, simply visit my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.  There are no crowds, you can look as long as you like, and there are plenty of ideas to go with those awesome supplies:)

Stocking Punch Trio

This cute handstamped card comes together in a snap with the Stocking Builder Punch from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  You can create stockings galore in, literally, minutes.  Slide in some card stock or designer paper and start punching.  Then mix and match your pieces for lots of fun and variety!

Supplies:

Stamps:  Hand-Penned Holidays

Ink:  Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper:  Early Espresso, Basic Black Card Stocks; Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Stocking Builder Punch, Linen Thread, Mini Clothespins, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

This is a quick and easy card, and we make cards like this every month in my card-makers clubs.  It's a lot of fun and helps you get into the very healthy flow of monthly stamping in a group of awesome ladies.  Contact me at 210-355-5729 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com to find a card-makers club that fits your schedule.  We will use the Stocking Builder Punch and so much more while having more stamping fun than you thought possible!

Spice Cake for Thanksgiving

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving today and, of course, bring you a stamping project with Spice Cake Designer Series Paper to express those wishes! I created this cute little place favor for my stamp clubs last month.  It's the perfect size to house a single Hershey's Nugget, so it's a treat that doesn't kill your diet! And it has plenty of autumn color and style.

Supplies:

Stamps:  It's a Wrap Holidays

Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede (for sponging the leaf); Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker

Paper:  Very Vanilla, More Mustard Card Stocks; Spice Cake Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Leaves #2 Die, 1/16" Circle Punch, Hemp Twine 

I love little things like this, those "little somethings" that have lots of versatility.  These would make great place favors at the table with people's names on them as I have shown above.  They would also make nice little teacher gifts or co-worker appreciation gifts.  And they would make a nice display with different words on the leaves like "faith," "family," "hope,"indicating things we are thankful for.  I love the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper from the Holiday Mini Catalog with its lovely warm colors and versatile images.  Any of the papers look great in this project--I tried out all of them!

So today, wherever you are, stop to give thanks.  I'm doing that very thing today.  And one of the many things I am giving thanks for is YOU!  That's right!  The many people in my world of stamping are a great blessing to me, and I am thanking God for YOU.  Some of you are checking out my blog while you are waiting for the turkey to get done or the friends and family to gather.  Happy Thanksgiving, 2011!

 

Shelli and the Today Show

Every year Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s CEO, makes an appearance on the Today Show around the holiday season.  She was going to make that appearance this week. 

She actually received a phone call this week to postpone her appearance until next month.  The above projects were create for her Thanksgiving sample appearance.  Now that she is not going to appear until December, she will create Decemeber projects.  These cards are just too nice to not display them so I am sharing them with you.

Mark your calendar and be sure to tune in next month when Shelli makes her December 6th appearance on the Today Show.

Gently Falling into Birthdays

Today I wanted to share this beautiful card using Gently Falling from the Holiday Mini Catalog to wish a Happy Birthday to someone special.  This is a fun stamp set to use, and this handmade card is from one of my trusty swapping partners, Cathy Somody. 

Cathy employed the basketweave technique on the right side of the card, using Very Vanilla Card Stock and the extremely versatile and popular Spice Cake Designer Series Paper.  Gently Falling is a two-step stamp set, meaning there are 2-steps you can use when you stamp to create gorgeous leaves like this.  The first step is to stamp the outline image of the leaves.  The second step is to stamp the inside of the leaf image. The great thing is that you can also use either stamp alone, so you get so many different options for looks you want to achieve.

There are 4 different leaf images in Gently Falling stamp set as well as an acorn and maple seed images.  All have the 2 steps which means you get a set of 12 stamps with lots and lots of options for stamping!  The wood-mount set (123802) is $39.95, and the clear-mount set (123804) is $28.95.  Hurry, as the Holiday Mini Catalog only goes through January 4th.  Shop today from your seat not your feet by visiting my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net!

Holiday Online Extravaganza

 

It's that time of year again!!  Time for our Annual Online Holiday Extravaganza.  It's our annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season, and it starts Today!

This great sale runs through Wednesday, November 30, 2011. While this promotion is perfect for helping you shop online during this especially busy time of year, sale prices will be available through catalog orders as well.

Feel free to download the special PDF here or log in to my Online Store here NOW, to take advantage of all the great savings.  Get 25-60% OFF select items, 24 hour specials AND exclusive discounted bundles!

 

The two 24 hour specials are our new Simply Scored tool AND our Sweet Cookie stamps!   Check them out BEFORE the 24 hours are up at 11:59pm tonight.

 

If you have any questions or want to place an order with me, please fee free to contact me so you don't miss out on the great deals.  Call me at 210-355-5729 and shop online at:  candystamps.stampinup.net

Nature Walk Gives Thanks

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, here's a handmade card featuring the lovely Nature Walk stamp set from the All Natural section of the Idea Book and Catalog (made by one of my swapping buddies, Cathy Somody).  This timeless design and color scheme make for a classic look and a delightful way to give thanks.  At this time of year, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are all thinking about giving thanks.

Giving thanks is a foundational part of our spiritual life and has benefits for anyone and everyone who engages in it.  We teach our children, from a young age, to say "please" and "thank you."  This is not mere manners (although manners are important).  It is the beginning of teaching our children to give thanks, to look beyond themselves, and to acknowlege that they have been given something.  It starts with simple, tangible things like offering thanks for a cookie or cup of juice.  As our children mature, they give thanks for bigger things like Christmas gifts, music lessons, and more.  And as they (and we) mature, we look beyond the material and give thanks for people--our treasured relationships, kindness and love expressed, sunny days, fireside chats, game night with the family, beautiful flowers, and so much more.  We ALL have much to be thankful for.  Let's give thanks to those we love.  Let them know how much they mean to us.  Let's give thanks to our neighbors and friends.  Let them know we appreciate them.  And most important of all, let's give thanks to God who makes it all possible.

As you give thanks, consider giving handmade cards like this (made with Nature Walk stamp set) with a simple message of "Thanks so much."  They are a great way to make your thanks "last."  Long after your words have been uttered and you are no longer standing near the person you are thanking, your handmade card will continue to convey your message of thanks.

Christmas Lodge Tree

For today's Saturday Sample, I wanted to show you this handmade card using the tree image from Christmas Lodge.  I must say, the tree image is just gorgeous in this stamp set!  Of course, I have to say that the Christmas Lodge stamp set is my very favorite in the Holiday Mini Catalog, and there are some great ones in there!  I did 2 Christmas Card Classes in a row using all Christmas Lodge designs.  This card is one of three designs from our September class, and it will make you want to break into song:  O Christmas Tree!

Stamps:  *Christmas Lodge, Christmas Greetings sets

Ink:  Bravo Burgundy, Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Bravo Burgundy, Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz  Card Stocks; *Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Gold Lame Smooch Accent Ink, *Dazzling Details, *Mica Flakes, Brights Collection Buttons, 1/2" Circle Punch, Anywhere Glue Sticks, Multipurpose Liquid Glue

*Holiday Mini Catalog items

The little "notch" for the button is achieved with a circle punch.  Simply line up your Pear Pizzazz panel where you wish to place it on your card.  Make a little mark where it crosses the ribbon.  Then punch just a half circle so that your button has a place to nestle right into. Then attach to card and proceed.

The other little tip I have for you on making this card is to ink up the tree image with your brayer.  The tree is a very large stamp with lots of detail.  The brayer helps ensure you get enough ink coverage on the entire stamp.  If you don't have a brayer, turn the stamp upside down on your work surface, turn your stamp pad upside down, and ink it up that way.  It's the opposite of what we normally do when inking a stamp, but it works great on large stamps like this as well as background stamps.

Purchase any of these supplies in my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.  I hope you have enjoyed today's Saturday Sample, complete with extra tips, on making gorgeous handmade cards with Christmas Lodge. 

 

Stamp Camp in San Antonio

Gail and I are working hard getting ready for our next stamp camp in San Antonio, Let's Celebrate, on Saturday, January 14th.  There is life after the holidays! LOL

Here's a little sneak peek (showing the Friends Fur-ever stamp set).  All 16 handmade cards have been designed, our card box and altered rolodex are designed and made, and the sneak peeks are about to begin!  Here's a true sneak peek since it is not even a full photo of the card.  I'm still working on the "finished copy" of the cards.  You can already see photos of the rolodex and card box on the stampcamping.com website.  We are posting regularly there, so just subscribe to the blog and you don't miss anything! 

I hope you are making plans now to attend Let's Celebrate on January 14th.  There's a layaway plan to keep you on budget, and we have lovely gift certificates to our stamp camp so that you can give the perfect gift for Christmas! 

 

 

Stamp Camp in San Antonio

Saturday, January 14th

9:00-12:30 AND

1:30-5:00

Make plans now to come stamp with us and start your year out right!

Full details at stampcamping.com

Sweet Stamper Workshop for Holiday Spirit and Free Stamps!

Time is running out to schedule your Sweet Stamper workshop in time for the holidays, so hurry!  You can earn free stamps, supplies, and more plus get a free stamping lesson for your and your friends.  It's easy, it's fun, and I'll infuse your workshop with holiday spirit! 

What do you need to do to host a Sweet Stamper workshop?  It's simple.  Here are the steps:

• Contact me at 210-355-5729 or candy@sweetstamper to schedule a date that works for both of us.
• Decide if you want the workshop (stamping party) to be at your house or my studio.
• Receive a packet from me including the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog and Holiday Mini Catalogs.
• Invite lots of friends and/or family.
• Make out a Wish List of things you want from the Stampin' Up! catalogs while you dream of making your own gorgeous handmade cards, scrapbooks, favors, and more.
• Enjoy our workshop including fabulous Make & Takes (projects you and your guests make and take home!) and stamping fun!
• Choose your Free Stampin' Up! products based on your party sales.
• Enjoy your new stash of FREE products, helping to make your world handmade, heartfelt:)

 

 

Lovely as a Tree...in Autumn

Lovely as a Tree is such a classic stamp set, and this is a card we made in my card makers clubs last month celebrating the beauty of the autumn season.  I had hoped to get to the Lost Maples State Park this year as I keep seeing gorgeous photos of the autumn splendor on display there.  Alas, I will not make it there before the beautiful autumn display is simply lying on the ground and beginning to turn brown.  Instead, I'm celebrating the beauty of autumn color with hand stamped cards:)

This card was inspired by a swap I received from Lori Skinner.  I changed it up just a bit, and we had so much fun making our autumn leaf background paper by random stamping with 3 different inks.  We used the Vellum Paper (101839) on top of the colored leaves to give it a soft, ethereal look.  Here are the supplies we used:

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree, Fifth Avenue Floral

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze, More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla Cajun Craze Card Stocks; Vellum Paper

Supplies:  Decorative Label Punch, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

I'm taking names for another Card Makers Club as my current card clubs are pretty full now.  If you would like to make beautiful handmade cards like the one above featuring Lovely as a Tree, consider joining one of my Card Makers Clubs.  We make 2 cards and a 3D item each month.  All the projects are free, and each member places a $25+ order each month while getting the hostess benefits (at least $25 free merchandise of your choice in the catalog) one month each.  It's lots of fun!  Call me at 210-355-5729 today to get started!

 

 

Wolfson House Arts & Crafts Show

My team member, Jamie Sanchez, is a vendor this week at the Wolfson House Arts & Crafts Show.  Normally, I'm there as a vendor too.  I'll be there tomorrow...shopping!  My schedule didn't allow me to show as a vendor, but I can definitely squeeze in a bit of shopping time.  Make a point to go this week.  It's an annual trek for many and so worthy of your time and shopping dollars! You can get lots of your Christmas shopping done in an atmosphere that is uplifting and inspiring.

Wolfson House is a unique show.  As you enter the historic house (build in 1888 with architecture from the late Victorian period) you are greeted by a hostess and homemade cookies and spice tea.  All this is free!  Then wander around the house to browse and shop with up to 100 vendors.  It will really get you into the holiday spirit as you see the wonderful handmade Christmas ornaments, wreaths, jams and jellies, baked goods, unique gifts for every age, and more. Everything is handmade.

This is a photo of my space at last year's show.  I can't wait to see what Jamie has done with her space.  She is sharing with her mom, Kathleeen, and they have a variety of papercrafting and fabric gifts for you to purchase.  I've seen some of them while they were "in process," but now I can't wait to see the full display with all the projects in all its glory!

Let's support crafters and artists this week at the Wolfson House Arts & Crafts Show.  There's nothing like handmade:)

“23rd Annual Wolfson House
Christmas Arts & Crafts Show"
415 Broadway @ McCullough
Free parking and refreshments
Monday, November 14 - 18
, 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday, November 19
, 10:00AM - 3:00PM

Day of Gratitude

For today's inspirational Sunday post, I wanted to share this handmade inspirational card featuring Day of Gratitude stamp set.  I love the "greeting" or text part of this stamp set:  Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings.  Living out this truth is, literally, transformational.  Gratitude is not just the act of giving thanks but involves a heart that is deeply appreciative and turns heavenward, away from self. It is so easy to think of all the things we DON'T have, all the things we wish we DID have, and to be self-absorbed.  But as we turn outward, away from self, our perspective changes.  God is good to all, and gratitude is a choice we make that enriches our lives in ways that nothing else can.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, do a little practice before you get there.  Try offering some thanks and getting your heart into a state of gratefulness.  As you stop to count your blessings, watch your mood change.  Watch your perspective change.  Watch your countenance (an old-fashioned word that is quite poetic and means "the expression on one's face") change. 

Make today a Day of Gratitude and thank God for His many blessings to YOU!

Stitched Stockings

This darling card featuring Stitched Stockings from the Holiday Mini Catalog is made by my swapping buddy Lori and comes together quickly and easily, making a great Saturday Sample card.  Can you believe that you can make darling handmade Christmas cards like this without taking tons of lessons?!  You can!  I love teaching people to do just that:  make handmade cards quickly and easily while having lots of fun!  And one of the best parts is that as you give or mail your handmade cards, people are just stunned that you took your time (that most valuable commodity that you cannot get any more of) to make something just for them.  People are genuinely touched by your love and kindness taking the shape of a handmade card.  Try it!  You'll like it:)

If you would like to reproduce this card, here are the supplies:

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings, Tags Til Christmas sets

Ink:  Island Indigo, Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, River Rock Card Stocks; Timeless Portrait DSP

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Call me today at 210-355-5729 and we will talk about getting you some FREE stamping lessons through workshops and/or clubs.  I can't wait to stamp with you!

Cat Out on a Limb

I absolutely love this handmade card, made by my swapping buddy June, featuring Out on a Limb stamp set.  I love it when a stamp set that is mainly for a particular occasion is used for something totally different.  That's thinking outside the box--which is just so fun and creative.  Here, the cat is all black and looking very sophisticated, indeed, and not at all like Halloween, which is the main occasion of Out on a Limb stamp set!

The classic color scheme of pink and black adds to the sophisticated feel of this card.  Cat-lover or no, I think anyone would love to receive this handmade card in the mail! 

Here are the supplies used:

Stamps:  Out on a Limb, Pennant Parade sets

Ink:  Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper:  Basic Black Textured Card Stock, Whisper White and Brushed Silver Card Stocks, Subtles (Pink Pirouette) Patterns Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Basic Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brads, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Scallop Oval, Jewelry Tag, and Large Oval Punches, White Bakers Twine, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Learn to make your own handmade cards like this absolutely free by hosting a Stampin' Up! workshop.  That is a fun time to gather some friends and/or family, learn to stamp, and earn free stuff based on sales at your workshop.  It's easy, it's fun, and it doesn't cost you anything!  We can have the workshop at your place or mine--it's up to you. I'm booking workshops for December and January, and YOU can earn free stamps and supplies while learning to stamp.  Click here to see the Hostess Benefits aka free stuff. 

Call me today at 210-355-5729 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com (or just click the Email Candy button to your left) and let's find a date that works for both of us.  Making handmade cards, like the one above featuring Out on a Limb stamp set, can be a regular part of your life, enriching you and those you love:)

Christmas Card Class

Here are a couple of photos of my upcoming Christmas Card Class.  It's the last of the season, and we are doing 6 cards, 2 of each design.  The two designs shown here feature the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper paired with Tree Trimmings stamp set and the new Denim Jean Ribbon paired with Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set.  When doing 6 different designs, I like lots of variety of colors and styles.  (I'm having some lighting issues, so I'm not sure how well these will show.)

I love the versatility of Jolly Bingo Bits.  Being able to have 24 images to choose from brings lots of possibilities.  We used this same set on a 3D item at our Homespun Holidays Stamp Camp, shown below. 

 

 

Now, going in a completely different direction, here is a close up of of one of the Christmas Card Class designs, featuring the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper.  It's a lovely paper with traditional holiday images that work great on cards as well as scrapbooks and other holiday projects. I would show you the full card, but the photo didn't come out!  Oh, well.  I'll try again tomorrow when the sun comes out:)

So why don't you come and stamp with us next Tuesday?  I have a few spots still open for my Christmas Card Class, and if you are in the San Antonio area, we would love it if you would join us.  So just sign up here and come stamp!  Full details of the class are here on Monday's post.  You can click on the link or just scroll down--whatever is easiest for you. 

Stamp Club in San Antonio

I have a few different stamp clubs in San Antonio, two for card-makers and one for scrapbookers.  This is one of the cards we made this week in the card-maker clubs.  We normally have one 3-D project, one "quick and easy card", and one other card for these clubs.  This was our quick and easy card this month, and I love how each person placed their die cuts in a different way.  They are made with the Scribbles Sizzlit Die, and here they are artistic pieces that are great fun to use.

This card also features the Well Worn Designer Series Paper.  I love its versatility!  It can go masculine or feminine, modern or antique.  Here are the supplies for this card:

Stamp:  Sincere Salutations set

Ink:  Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper:  Calypso Coral, Basic Black Card Stocks, Well Worn DSP

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Scribbles Sizzlit Die, Victoria Crochet Trim, Antique Brads, Stamping Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive

Quick and easy handmade cards don't have to be plain and boring.  They can be chic!  If you live in the San Antonio area and want to join a stamp club, call me at 210-355-5729 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.  We will make room for you to stamp with us!

 

Christmas Card Class

Last call for Christmas Card Class!  This is the last class (sniff, sniff!) of 2011.  It's a Stamp-a-Stack of 12 cards, 2 each of 6 custom designs using all Stampin' Up! products.  Come have stamping fun with us while we listen to Christmas music (I have a great collection:), sip some cider, and make beautiful cards with your own hands!  It's the last Christmas Card Class of the year, and you don't want to miss out:)

Christmas Card Stamp A Stack

12 custom-designed cards!!!

2 each of 6 designs

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

$50 for a double batch!

RSVP with payment by Wednesday, November 9th

Class, either session.  Please email me at candy@sweetstamper.com to let me know if you wish to attend the daytime or evening session.  

Double batch for those that are really behind on their cards and need a big stack!

FREE My Digital Studio Downloads!

Through today, you can get FREE My Digital Studio Downloads!  Free is my favorite price, and I have already downloaded mine:)  These are great additions to your stash of digital design options.  Go to mydigitalstudio.net and follow the directions.  This is what you get:

•   So Typefelt Stamp Brush Set

• ·  Neutral Delightful Digital Tape
• ·  Home for the Holidays Ensemble
• ·  Delight in the Day Photobook Template
  

These are brand new, never-before-seen downloads.  I love the way Stampin' Up! knows how to celebrate.  The celebration is for Digital Scrapbooking Day. 

If you don't yet have My Digital Studio, purchase yours today from my Stampin' Up! online store:

candystamps.stampinup.net.  Get on the digital scrapbooking bandwagon and have a blast getting ALL your holiday photos scrapped before the new year...with no mess:)

 

Sounding Joy

I love the simplicity of this inspirational card featuring the Sounding Joy stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The classic color scheme of Real Red and Very Vanilla shout "Merry Christmas".  The sentiment "Let Earth Receive Her King" shouts out that Jesus is the reason for the season!  If you are looking to make your own inspirational Christmas cards this year, consider this design. 

Whether you are making 10 cards for close family and friends or making 100 because you have a long list of people that you send Christmas cards to, a simple design like this is a great way to go.  You are able to convey the message you want to send and customize it to your taste and style.  If you would like to reproduce the one above (I obtained this in a swap), here are the supplies:

Stamps:  Sounding Joy

Ink:  Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper:  Real Red, Very Vanilla Card Stocks

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Eyelet Border Punch, Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon

Simply Scored is Here!

Have you heard the buzz about the brand new Simply Scored tool (#122334) introduced in the Holiday Mini catalog!

Take the chore out of scoring! The Simply Scored Scoring Tool’s base fits paper or card stock up to 12" x 12" and features score tracks every 1/8". Features two easy-to-read rulers (with inch markings down to 1/8") along top and left side for perfect scoring. (One standard left-to-right ruler and one zero center ruler.)

 

Purchase additional place markers for your Simply Scored (125625-Six markers for just $2.50!).  Markers fit to the top ruler of the scoring base to mark your favorite scoring points--and to keep you on track when making multiple scores on a single project.  This is my favorite feature!

 

 

Includes three markers and stylus. Bottom of base has nonmarking and nonskid feet to secure it on your work area.  It's so easy to use that you won't know what you did before without it.  Check it out on my Stampin' Up! website today.

Free Big Shot

It's a wonderful life being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, and The Free Big Shot promotion--which has been extended through November 11th--makes it more wonderful than ever!  So if you missed the previous deadline, you can still jump in!  What a great way to start your stamping business and getting on with the wonderful life of earning money while doing what you love.

The Starter Kit for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators is a phenomenal value on its own.  At just $175 for $345 of products and business supplies, it's almost a steal!  Couple that with the many customization options, and you have a great set of stamps, tools, and supplies to start your business.  And now, only through November 11th, you get a Free Big Shot, too!

If you know me and my business at all, you know that I love options:)  In addition to the customization options with the Starter Kit, there are options as to how you want to run your business.  After all, it is your business.  Unlike most other direct sales companies, you can earn money in many ways other than just selling your products (which are the best and most up-to-date in the papercrafting market).  You can teach classes, do fund-raisers for schools and/or charities, sell your creations at craft fairs, and more. 

Not only will you get an awesome Starter Kit and free Big Shot, you will be part of my team the Southern Sweet Stampers.  We have a great time doing what we love, and I have resources and skills to help you get where YOU want to be in your stamping business.  Call me today at 210-355-5729 and I'll help you get started.  Click here to learn even more:  Join the Fun!

12 Weeks of Christmas

It's time for the 12 Weeks of Christmas...for stampers, and we are already into Week 5!  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!  It's not too late to get in on the fun!

Stitched Stockings for Baby!

If you think Stitched Stockings stamp set and coordinating Stocking Builder Punch in the Holiday Mini Catalog are just for Christmas, look at this!  Punch the stockings a bit shorter and you have darling baby booties!  Now I didn't think of this--it's the work of Lori Skinner, one of my swap buddies.  I also love the color palette derived from Nursery Nest DSP.  It hits the perfect note for a baby:)

Once again, our stamps, coordinating punches, and more are very versatile.  That's one of my favorite features of Stampin' Up! products. 

Supplies:

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings and Teeny Tiny Wishes sets

Ink:  Certainly Celery Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper:  Certainly Celery, Whisper White card stocks; Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Stocking Builder, Modern Label, and Word Window Punches, Pearls Basic Jewels, Linen Thread, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals