Sweet Stamper

Stampin' Up! Retired List Stamp A Stack

I love the Retired List as it celebrates old favorites in stamp sets and accessories and makes way for new ones.  I'm celebrating this wonderful annual Stampin' Up! transition with a Stamp a Stack...Your Way.  What is a Stamp a Stack?  Well, it's a card class where you stamp an entire stack of handmade cards.  Loads of fun:)  Why am I calling it "your way"?  Well, Stampin' Up!'s theme this year for us demonstrators is "your way".  We get to conduct our business "our way" and that is different for different people.  That is one of my favorite things about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator--the many options!  If you know me at all and the way I run my clubs, classes, and events, I love, love, love options:)  So I have 3 options for you with my Stamp a Stack!  Although my class takes place in my San Antonio Studio, there is a Class Kit by Mail option, too.  Read on for details.

All handmade cards feature retired stamp sets, retired in colors, retired dies, retired ribbons, and more!  It's my retirement party, and it's lots of fun:)  Added to the fun is the "my way" element with options galore.  You can select the number of handmade cards you wish to make and the class time you wish to attend...your way!  You can even choose to receive the Class Kit by Mail option whereby you take the class at the time YOU want at YOUR home.  Now, that's a lot of options:)

Retired List Stamp A Stack

Thursday, May 10th, 12:30-3:00 p.m.

OR

Friday, May 11th, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

rsvp with payment by 5/5/12

• 6-18 custom-designed cards (by Candy Rattray) with envelopes
• 6 cards for $20
• 12 cards for $25
• 18 cards for $30
• Hands on instruction during class, written instructions to use at home
• All prepared supplies included*
• All pre-cut card stock, ribbons, embellishments, etc. included in Class Kit by Mail.  Stamped images are NOT included according to Stampin' Up! policy.  Register below and email me to let me know you want your kit mailed.

*Bring your own basic adhesive.  All other adhesives and supplies provided. 

Retired List Stamp a Stack

6 cards $20.00 USD 12 cards $25.00 USD 18 cards $30.00 USD

Floral Fillers Stamp Set and Butterfly Punch

Continuing on with my theme of featuring Retired Stamps and Retired Accessories for the next few weeks, here's a handmade card with Floral Fillers stamp set and the Butterfly Punch.  I actually used the Butterfly Punch twice, adhering one flat to the card and adding another with its wings lifted from the card to make it look like it's flying.

I created this card with a neutrals palette and then added the scrummy in color Pool Party.  The Pool Party pops against all that gray and black and makes the butterfly really stand out.

Floral Fillers stamp set (available in wood mount  and clear mount) is one of many retiring sets available through May 31st only.  The Butterfly Punch is one of many retiring accessories available only while supplies last through May 31st.  So hop on over to my online store to get these items today.  Let the Floral Fillers stamp set and the Butterfly Punch bring flying butterflies to your handmade, heartfelt projects!

Packed for Mom

For today's Saturday Sample, I wanted to show you this simple Make & Take featuring Packed for Mom single stamp for my workshop today.  It features one of a series of 4 single Stampin' Up! stamps in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  When you purchase all 4 of them, you save 25%!  With Packed for Mom, Packed for Dad, Packed for Baby, and Packed for Birthday, there is something for everyone.

My workshop (aka stamping party) today is in Pearsall, TX.  I have stamps and will travel!  I often do stamping parties in the area surrounding San Antonio and have even been known to do stamping parties when out of state!  After all, if I'm on a trip for a conference, I can easily hop over to someone's home for an hour or two for some quick and easy stamping that enthralls everyone:)  Candy Rattray, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator at your service and reporting for duty!

The Saturday Sample above featuring Packed for Mom is actually a very quick card to make, but it has lots of pizzazz.  Although I intend it as a Mother's Day Card, you can actually use this as a "thinking of you" or birthday card.  It celebrates Mom on any day!

Supplies:

• Stamps:  Packed for Mom, Delightful Dozen
• Ink:  Black StazOn, Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Marker
• Paper:  Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla Card Stocks; Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper
• Accessories:  Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Gold Brads, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Many of these items are on the Stampin' Up! Retired Accessories List.  Get them now while there is still time.  They are available only while supplies last through May 31st.  And Packed for Mom is from the Occasions Mini Catalog which runs through the end of this month, so you have just a few days left.  Get your Packed for Everything Bundle (4 wood mounted stamps) for just $29.95.  You can see a handmade card as well as a scrapbook page with stamps from the bundle here and here.  So get packed for every occasion with Packed for Everything Bundle!

Retired Accessories List = Scrapbooking Supplies Sale!

 Thursday and/or Friday are the days I normally post on this, my Sweet Stamper blog, about scrapbooking, and today I'm sharing the wonderful Stampin' Up! Retired Accessories List which includes scrapbooking supplies on sale, only while supplies last!  

Now, this sale is not one of those "special deals" you find at the big box stores where they get a good buy on something and pass it on to customers, oftentimes with inferior quality.  This is real deal Stampin' Up! supplies, made by and/or for Stampin' Up!  The fantastic quality you have come to rely on is present in all these items on the Retired Accessories List that will help you scrapbook in style AND save money:)

Some items on the Retired Accessories List are still regular price while some are deeply discounted at up to 70% off; all items on the list are being discontinued and are only available while supplies last.  Judging from previous years, the stuff on sale goes quickly, so if you like bargains, act now by going to my online store.  

Being a bargain-lover myself, I wanted to bring a few items to your attention that will save you lots of cash on your scrapbooking supplies.  They are:

• My Digital Studio discs (with lots of coordinated content) at 60% off
• Smooth and Textured 12 x 12 Card Stocks in 16 (!) selected colors at 25-40% off
• Designer Series Papers-8 collections at 25% off
• Albums and Page Protectors at 25% off
• Assorted ribbons and embellishments at 25-70% off
• Circle Scissor Plus and accessories at 25% off
• Select punches at 25-40% off
• Big Shot Letterpress Plates at 40% off
• Select Build-a-Bear, alphabet, and various Big Shot Dies at 40% off

And these are just the items on sale!  There are lots of other discontinued items that you may want to get before they are gone forever, but I wanted to bring to your attention the ones on sale first.  They are the ones that will go first--for obvious reasons.

Let me be your scrapbooking store in San Antonio, and I'll save you money!  This is a fantastic scrapbooking supplies sale and I own most of the items.  That means you can email me to see them in person in my Studio and then place your order accordingly.  You can always place your scrapbooking supplies order online in my store, or just call me at 210-355-5729.  Sometimes you just want to talk to someone when ordering!  I'm here for you:)

Sweets for the Sweet on Retired List

Sweets for the Sweet is one of many Stampin' Up! rubber stamp sets on the Retired List.  Its cute images of pinwheels and sweets appeal to any age.  This cute handmade card was created by one of my trusty swapping buddies, Lori Skinner.  I love the addition of the Blue Denim Ribbon on the bag of candy!  What a cute touch to an already cute design:)

Since Sweets for the Sweet is on the Stampin' Up! Retired List, it is only available through May 31st.  This rubber stamp set is available in wood mount (122510) and clear mount (122512).  With 12 stamps in the set, there is great value and versatility.  Here is the full set below.  Get yours today in my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net!

Fifth Avenue Floral Easter Card

In keeping with my theme of sharing handmade cards and other projects using Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp Sets, here's another featuring Fifth Avenue Floral in an inspirational Easter Card.  The lily image in Fifth Avenue Floral is such a classic.  It looks great simply stamped and cut out as shown above.  This highlights the simplicity of the stamped image as well as this wonderful, classic image of Easter.  In pure white, the shape of the lily really makes a statement.  

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing more handmade cards using Fifth Avenue Floral as well as other sets from the Retired List since those Stampin' Up! rubber stamp sets will no longer be available after May 31st.  Fifth Avenue Floral has been a personal favorite of mine, and I've made everything from inspirational Easter cards, as shown above, to wedding invitations, sympathy cards, birthday cards, and more.  The classic flower images in this stamp set are amazingly versatile.  

Although I didn't use the sentiment in the card above, the one included in the stamp set says, "You only live once.  But if you do it right, once is enough."  The way to live that life right--and we do only get one chance, is to live it totally surrendered to the will and purposes of God.  He is the one who made us and longs to have intimate relationship with us.  Only He can truly satisfy our deepest longings--which cannot be satisfied by the things of this world.  That only comes through knowing the one who loves us like no other.

He has made everything beautiful in His time; also He has set eternity in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end. (Ecc 3:11 MKJV)

There is the longing in the heart of man for eternity, the hereafter, the knowledge that there is something beyond the here and now.  Thankfully, God gives us a glimpse of that as well as His gracious heart.  I invite you to come and join us at Tower City Church where we engage in real relationship with God and His amazing presence and authenticity in our walk upon the earth with one another.  

 

Merry Winter Saturday Sample

Over the next several weeks, I'm featuring Stampin' Up!'s Retired List stamp sets, and today's Saturday Sample uses the very cute Merry Winter.  It may seem a bit out of season, but for those of us who like to make things, Christmas stamps are always in season!

One of my team members, Jamie Sanchez, made this very cute hot cocoa packet.  The snowman images in Merry Winter look a bit like marshmallow snowmen, so the hot cocoa tie-in is perfect!  This project makes a perfect little gift for teachers, postmen, doctor's offices, banks, etc. saying thanks and spreading some good cheer.  When we perform these little acts of kindness, enhanced by making our little gifts ourselves, we bring lots of positivity into our world.  Try it!  You will like it...and so will those around you!

Supplies:

Stamps: Merry Winter

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock; Soft Suede, Whisper White Card Stocks

Accessories:  Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Snowflake Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stamping Sponges, Cutter Kit, Metallic Brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals; Hot Cocoa Packet

Make plans now to reproduce this project for the many people in your life that just help your life happen better.  Say thanks to the teachers, coaches, office workers, friends, neighbors, and more and spread kindness and good will.   Hop over to my online store today.  Here's the wood mount stamp set (122700) and here's the clear mount set (122702).  As always, email me with any questions.

Scrapbook Store in San Antonio

My Scrapbook Club acts as a scrapbook store in San Antonio for many, and if you can't come to my scrapbook club, you can still use my Stamping Studio as your scrapbook store.   We use all Stampin' Up! products for the newest and best products available.  Look at the 12 x 12 layout we did this month featuring Packed for Mom--a single stamp that makes a darling border--as well as the brand new Summer Smooches suite of coordinating products.  Click on the photo to see it close up.

I love the fresh, bright color scheme in the Summer Smooches suite of coordinating products.  Aren't they just scrummy???!!!  Here are the items we used for this layout:

Stamps:  Bright Blossoms (clear mount or wood mount), Packed for Mom

Ink:  Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pads, Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Markers

Paper:  Whisper White, Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake Card Stocks; Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Labels Framelits Collection Dies, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits Dies; Circle Punch, Brights Collection Brads, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Blue Denim Jean Ribbon, SNAIL Adhesive, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

In my Studio, I have all the Stampin' Up! card stock and ink colors for you to look at and feel as well as coordinating ribbons, stamp sets, Big Shot dies, designer papers, and more.  You don't have to stand in a scrapbook store for hours trying to get things to work together and match--which you can no longer do in San Antonio even if you want to as all the scrapbook stores have closed here.  Spend a little time with me in my Studio, and you will get all you need for fantastic scrapbook pages that coordinate.  My own scrapbooking style is quick and easy pages with plenty of room for photos.  But Stampin' Up! products work for lots of scrapbooking styles.  If you like doing really artistic styles, I have the products that will make that happen.  I can give you design advice if you want it as well as put fantastic scrapbooking products in your hand at affordable prices.

So my scrapbook store in San Antonio, aka Sweet Stamper Studio, brings you the best products at prices you can afford.  Now that is value!  So come on by!  Just email me to set up an appointment.  And if you wish to purchase online, you can do that, too in my online store.  

It's Tea Time! Class

Tea is the most popular drink in the world, and I'm so excited to bring you a rubber stamping class that combines my own passions of paper crafting and tea drinking!  You will have so much fun creating your own handmade cards and gifts--your friends and loved ones will truly enjoy your labor of love:)  Beginners and veterans welcome!  I'll have a selection of teas to sip during class, and if you are doing my Class Kit by Mail option, I'll add tea bags to your order for drinking while creating.  My "It's Tea Time!" Class brings custom-designed projects to enrich your world featuring Stampin' Up!'s Morning Cup stamp set and Take a Sip stamping wheel.

I began drinking tea in earnest as a teenager.  That was back in the 70s, and there weren't nearly the variety of teas available as there are today.  Drinking Lapsang Souchong and Gunpowder teas were very exotic for the time.  Today, I can get white teas, green teas, black teas, and tisanes in dozens of varieties at my local grocery store.  But I mainly purchase from online sources where the choices are in the hundreds!  If you follow my blog at all, you know that I love options, and the more the better:)  

Not only is tea drinking enjoyable, it is good for you.  There are antioxidant properties in all teas, some more than others.  Some teas have vitamins in them, some will soothe nerves, some make a tummy feel better, while others help you fall asleep easily.  The benefits are many!  Of course, America began as a tea-drinking nation.  But after the Boston Tea Party, we seemed to move towards coffee in protest, and then coffee became THE drink of America.  We sort of settled into being a majority of coffee drinkers, although tea has always been present.  Now, we seem to have a huge appetite for both coffee and tea.  I enjoy both on a daily basis:)

My "It's Tea Time! Class" helps you celebrate the joys of tea through handmade cards and little gifts that make great favors, office gifts, and/or little thank you's for the many people in our lives that deserve appreciation.  I can't wait to stamp with you...and drink some tea together, too!

• Hands-on instruction during class
• Written instructions for home use
• 4 custom-designed cards with envelopes, 2 each of 2 designs
• 2 different tea gifts
• Friday, May 25th, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m 
• $25 includes all supplies*
• Class Kit by Mail option-includes pre-cut consumable items like punched pieces, Big Shot elements, ribbons, etc. as well as postage.  Kits are mailed 5/26/12.
• Instructions only option if you want to just go for it on your own and/or host your own class.  Instructions emailed to you on 5/26/12
• rsvp with payment by 5/21/12
• Checks, credit cards, and cash accepted

*Please bring your own basic adhesive.  All other supplies provided.

Choose Your Option

In Studio Class $25.75 USD Class Kit by Mail $25.75 USD Instructions Only $4.95 USD

Awash with Flowers-Spring Stamping!

Using the Awash with Flowers stamp set is a bit like planting a garden...with rubber stamping!  By using stamps, ink, and paper, you get no dirt under your nails, and you get very quick results--no waiting on seeds to sprout, rains to come, and having to pull weeds!

My Awash with Flowers handmade card was created a year or two ago, but it still looks fresh and springy:)  Such is the nature (no pun intended:) of the wonderful Stampin' Up! stamp sets, inks, papers, and accessories.  There is a timelessness to so many of the products while others have that trendy, up-to-the-minute quality.  

To keep product lines fresh and relevant, many, many stamp sets are retiring, and Awash with Flowers is one of them.  I'll be featuring retiring Stampin' Up! stamp sets now through the end of May here on my blog.  The Retired List  sets will be available only through May 31st.  So mosey on over to my store to get yours today.  

Friends Fur-Ever, Stampin' Up! Retired List

The Stampin' Up! retired list has just been published, and one of the darling sets saying goodbye is Friends Fur-Ever.  When this stamp set first entered the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog in 2010, it was a must-have set for me as my family and I are all dog-lovers.  What cute images!  I've had lots of fun with this stamp set and made numerous family birthday and other occasion handmade cards.

This Friends Fur-Ever card was made by my very creative daughter Tiffany.  This is a super quick handmade card as you just stamp the scotty dog three times, punch them out with square punches, and put in a swanky bit of bling on one of the collars for a fun pop of color.  Quick, easy, fun!

Friends Fur-Ever stamp set is available through May 31st.  Then it goes into permanent retirement.  Get it while you can!  It's available in clear mount (120504) and wood mount (117008). Just click on either of these links to see all 19 (!) stamps in the set.  

Stampin' Up! Retired Stamps List 2012

Stampin' Up! Retired Stamps List was released yesterday.  Click here to see it.  This list includes all Stampin' Up! rubber stamp sets from the current Idea Book & Catalog that will no longer be available after May 31st--they're going into retirement.  They are all available until then, so hop over to my online store to get yours today.  

You can get some this month and some next month to help your budget.  Or get everything on your list and earn hostess benefits in the process.  What are hostess benefits?  They are free dollars!  I love free money, and Stampin' Up! hostess dollars are very special.  They can be redeemed like this:

• Use them on anything in any current catalogs.  For this month, that includes the big Idea Book & Catalog as well as the Occasions Mini Catalog.
• Use them on Hostess stamp sets and supplies for highest value.  

You can get hostess benefits (aka free stamping stuff) by hosting a workshop/party or by simply placing an order of $150 or more.  You get $25 free with a $150 order--whether it's just an order for you or if you have orders from several friends together.  Call me at 210-355-5729 or email me with any questions.  Let's get those must-have stamp sets into your hands as well as some free stuff!

Stampin' Up! Convention 2012

Join me for Stampin' Up! Convention 2012!  This fantastic event is for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators (and those considering becoming one!), and several of my team are heading to Utah this year for an incredible time rubber stamping, being inspired, learning more about our stamping business, hanging out with amazing women, and having the time of our lives:)  Email me to let me know you would like to join us or just learn more about doing what you love as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and/or attending Convention with us this year.  Think of it as a stamping vacation...and join us:)

Learn more about joining my team here.  I can't wait till you join the Southern Sweet Stampers!

Mother's Day Cards

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, I'm extending an invitation to you to come and stamp with me this Thursday, April 19th, at 7 p.m.  We are making these clean and simple Mother's Day cards for the ladies at the Battered Women's Shelter here in San Antonio.  

We aim to spread a bit of God's love and kindness to the ladies at the shelter by delivering handmade cards to them.  Each card will have a handwritten message inside, letting them know someone is thinking of them on Mother's Day and acknowledging their bravery in seeking shelter from harm for themselves and/or their children.  It takes a lot of courage to get out of a place where you are rejected, misused, abused, cast aside, endangered, and more.  We want these ladies to know that they are being thought of.

RSVPs are not necessary but appreciated so that I can plan table space (email me!).  We are making the clean and simple Mother's Day cards for 40 ladies.  So there is plenty of stamping to do!  I'm excited about using the God-given creativity He has given each of us to make something unique for these special ladies.  We are not giving them something mass-produced in China.  Rather, we are giving them something handmade, heartfelt, just for them.  

Scrapbook Store in San Antonio

My online store can be your Scrapbook Store in San Antonio!  There are 55 new items that have been added to the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack!  These are all super bargains.  Each item still has the great Stampin' Up! quality and guarantee you have grown to love while also having a bargain price.  My favorite items on the list are the punches--but then, I think Stampin' Up! punches are the best on the market and love the extra savings on the Clearance Rack.

My online store can be your Scrapbook Store in San Antonio since all the local stores have gone out of business.  On the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack right now you will find high quality albums for just a few dollars, exclusive Big Shot dies, Simply Scrappin' Kits (fantastic scrapbook kits), Designer Series Papers, punches as mentioned above and more at greatly reduced prices.  This makes way for you to get tons of scrapbook supplies at bargain prices--and I mean top quality scrapbook supplies, not the chintzy kind you find at so many big box stores.  Check out the Ice Cream Parlor paper and accents pack that gives you 12 sheets of double sided coordinating designer papers (12 x 12) plus 2 sheets of self-adhesive die cuts--all coordinated for a stunning look on your summer scrapbook pages for just $4.39!!!  Incredible bargains!

The Play Date Quick Accents give you 2 sheets of coordinated self-adhesive die cuts (These are not stickers!  They are much thicker and nicer:) for just $1.79!

Stampin' Up! Clearance rack purchases are only available as online orders because they are strictly while supplies last.  Head to my online store now for easy shopping--easy on your time, easy on your patience level (think "no traffic!"), and easy on your wallet.  Email me with any questions at all, and Happy Shopping which leads to happy scrapping and stamping!  

 

Build-a-Bear Stamp Sets

Now that I have grandchildren, I understand the appeal of Build-a-Bear stamp sets!  The whole Build-a-Bear empire draws fans, young and old, to its creative designs for all things teddy bear.  And Stampin' Up! has Build-a-Bear stamp sets and Big Shot dies to bring those darling teddy bears into the world of your handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and birthday party invitations, favors, and decor.  

I created this card for a stamp camp early this year.  (The next stamp camp in San Antonio is Saturday, June 16th, and you can register now at stampcamping.com!).  It's a quick and easy baby card using some of Stampin' Up!'s scrummy new In Colors--Pool Party and Calypso Coral.  Those colors are great in so many designs, but I love them for babies as they are gender neutral, crisp and fresh, and have wide appeal.  

The stamp set used is Bear Hugs (116966), and it's a steal at just $13.95 for 4 coordinating stamps.  I used the little flower stamp to create a subtle background paper for my handmade card and paired it with the Domestic Goddess Desginer Series Paper.  That Designer Paper has pretty bold images with a cooking and cleaning theme.  But one of the things I love about Stampin' Up! Designer Papers is that they are double sided.  One side often has a bolder image like the cooking and cleaning ones.  But the other side has "quieter" designs.  This little flower designed paper comes from that.  It reminds me of an updated calico print--perfect for babies!

You can make quick and easy baby cards and a whole host of other handmade cards in my rubber stamp card clubs.  They are a great way to have a free montly stamp class.  Full details are here.  Email me to let me know you want to join us, and we will have a great time together stamping, chatting, and creating handmade, heartfelt cards and favors to enrich your life:)

 

Awash with Flowers-Spring Stamping!

I love, love, love the Awash with Flowers stamp set, and spring is the perfect time to use it!  If you love gardening but don't have time to get outside, don't want to get dirt under your fingernails, and don't want to maintain plants during the hot summer, turn to planting a rubber stamp garden!

I created this handmade card recently for someone who was interested in Stampin' Up!'s Awash with Flowers stamp set.  I wanted her to see it in person, so I whipped up this springy card to send her.  I hadn't used the stamp set in quite a few months, and when I did, I remembered how much I love using it!  So there will be more handmade cards and scrapbook pages showing up here over the next few weeks and months using Awash with Flowers.  You can check out the stamp set in my online store here.  It is available in wood mount (117062) and clear mount (120549), so choose which one you like best, and I'll have more samples here to inspire you as you use this fun rubber stamp set.  

In the meantime, check out my Card Clubs in San Antonio that will commence in May.  They are a great opportunity to get a free monthly class, learn to stamp and/or learn more about rubber stamping, build your supplies stash, and get free Stampin' Up! products.  Full information is here, and I can't wait to stamp with you!  

Stamp Camp in San Antonio

I have another fabulous, fun, friendly stamp camp in San Antonio coming soon!  Saturday, June 16th, will be here before we know it, and you can get in on the Early Bird Special by registering now.  You can even use our Layaway Plan so that you can pay at your own pace.

Projects are being planned now, and we are having lots of fun designing great handmade items to help make your summer the best one yet. 

Summertime Fun

Get-Togethers & Get-Aways

Saturday, June 16th

1/2 day and full day options

Creative recreation...for you!

As always, our stamp camps are charity events, helping feed the hungry in San Antonio. So you can feel good about helping others while enjoying creative recreation.  Complete details and registration are here at stampcamping.com.  

We can't wait to stamp with you!

 

Woman Owned Business

Have you ever thought about becoming your own boss?   
You can join the ranks of us women business owners by joining my team as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  Stampin' Up! is, quite simply, the premier crafting company and the BEST place to hang your hat as a woman business owner.  Here is a recent testimonial from Michelle Laycock, the very talented Stampin' Up! demonstrator and also the designer of my Sweet Stamper blog. 

April 1st was my 10 year anniversary with Stampin' Up!

I signed up April 1, 2002 

(my upline is still active - she has been a demonstrator since 1995!!! - 17 years for her - she lives in Union Grove, there is no one above her)

I won't be going to convention, so I'm sure I'll get my 10 year pin sometime after that. 

Anyhow, I just want to say, that before I signed up to be a demonstrator I had considered two of Stampin Up's competitors before signing the demo agreement. One of those competitors went out of business last year, and the other competitor - well, they are going strong, however, they don't have anywhere near the line of products and quality of SU.

(I know, I've ordered from that company).

Stamps are stamps. And there are some that you like and some you don't, some I keep after retirement and lots that I don't... but the quality of the accessories, paper, inks, punches and dies that we have cannot be surpassed. Those items and the quality of those items is what is important to me as an artist. Stampin' Up! simply excels in that area. Prior to being a demonstrator I wasted so much money on papers and inks from local stores trying to match paper and ink colors... then when the store didn't carry the ink refills for the inks, it was a problem. The local stores don't carry some of the special papers that are needed to do certain techniques (glossy, confetti, brushed metallic, etc) and the selection was daunting when I went into the store.

Then I was introduced to Stampin Up and realized that I was wasting time and money trying to do something that Stampin Up has already accomplished for me! It was a dream come true!!! Bravo to Shelli and her sister! Absolute brilliance!

I made the correct decision 10 years ago, and I still think it was the best decision I've ever made!

Thanks to Shelli and her sister, I can spend my time creating artwork... not fussing to locate products that coordinate!

God Bless Stampin Up and also all the wonderful demonstrator friendships I've made in these 10 best years of my life!!! 

Michelle's experience very much reflects my own, although I have only been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for 4 years.  My upline is also still active after 16 years with the company.  That is serious staying power!  And I, too, feel it was one of the best decisions I ever made.  I love what I do and love that I can add to my family income, as a woman owned business, while creating my own schedule that fits my life instead of trying to fit my life around a company's schedule.

I have a great team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators.  

• Some of us are pursuing Stampin' Up! as a full-time career--that's me!!
• Some make enough with their stamping business to cover their car payment.
• Some make enough to cover their stamping habit without having to use general household funds. 
• Many on my team generate income through "finished product."  That means they make stuff with their awesome SU products--purchased at a discount--and sell them for a profit.
• I can help YOU get where you want to go as a woman business owner.

Check out more info here, and be my guest at our next Southern Sweet Stampers monthly meeting at Luby's Cafeteria on Tuesday, April 24th.  Email me with any questions and to let me know you will join us at our meeting.  I can't wait for you to join my team!

Clean and Simple Easter Card

Today is Easter, so I wanted to share a special, handmade Easter card with you, my blog friends!  This is a clean and simple Easter card.  That style is exactly what is sounds like--clean and simple!  There are many images associated with Easter, and there are Easter decor styles to suit every age and personality.  I made several of these cards to send family members who don't live nearby, and I chose the Easter Lily as my Easter image for this handmade card.

The Easter Lily has long been a revered symbol of Easter, and there are lots of traditions, myths, and customs associated with it.  The pure white flowers symbolize purity, virtue, innocence, hope, and life.  These are all themes of Easter, so they flow right into it.  For my handmade Easter card, I stamped the lilies in Daffodil Delight ink so they would show up on the Whisper White card stock.  They still have that soft, clean look of the Easter Lily. 

I hope you were able to be in church today, as that is where you find the true heart of Easter.  If you need a church in San Antonio, check us out at towercitychurch.com.  My husband is the pastor, and I would love to meet you as well as welcome you to Tower City Church.   May you grow in the grace and knowlege of the Lord Jesus Christ, shown in full display on Easter, but available each and every day of the year.

Saturday Sample - Flower Fest Stamp Set

For today's Saturday Sample, I wanted to share this lovely meeting swap from one of my fantastic downline members, Natalie Long, featuring the Flower Fest stamp set.  Natalie is doing a great job developing her stamping business and having a blast in the process.  This handmade card is one of the designs for an upcoming card class she is teaching, and all the cards use Flower Fest, one of the many wonderful stamp sets in our main catalog.  

The current main catalog (Idea Book & Catalog) is good through May 31st, so start thinking about what you would like to purchase while there is time.  Many stamp sets as well as accessories will retire (no longer be available for purchase).  The retired stamps list will publish on April 15th, and the retired accessories list will publish on April 25th.  

In the meantime, let's do a Sweet Stamper Stampin' Up! workshop and get some free products and free stamping lessons into the hands of you and your friends.  Email me as I'm booking my calendar for April - June.  We will find a date that works for both of us.  We can have the Stampin' Up! workshop (party) at your place or mine.  My Studio is a great venue for you and your friends to come--or I'm happy to come to you.  Have stamps; will travel!  I'll teach you and your guests to make cool things with stamps:)  Everyone makes something to take home and YOU get free products based on sales.  Your guests also have the opportunity to earn free stamps and/or supplies through booking their own parties and door prizes.  Call me at 210-355-5729 and let's stamp!

Supplies:  

Stamps:  Flower Fest, Fifth Avenue Floral sets

Ink:  So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Calypso Coral, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pads; Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad

Accessories:  Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Sponge Daubers

My Digital Studio - Hybrid Cards

I love My Digital Studio, and hybrid cards are one of the many creations you can produce with it.  A hybrid card combines the modernity of digital designing with the time-honored traditions of handmade cards by producing some of the card elements digitally and some of the card elements by hand.  This lovely sympathy card is the creation of Suzie, one of my customers.  She needed a quick and easy sympathy card, so she went to My Digital Studio.

Suzie used the My Digital Studio stamp sets Thoughts and Prayers for the tree and words and Extreme Elements for the splatter.  She printed that at home on some beige paper she had on hand, trimmed it, and then layered it on Pale Plum (retired) and Perfect Plum card stocks.  A bit of ribbon she had on hand added a nice, soft touch as well as a bit of texture.  Voila!  A hybrid card made in just minutes!

Get the free 30-day trial for My Digital Studio today and start playing with this fun digital designing program that takes the fun elements of card-making and scrapbooking and transfers it to technology.  It' a match made in heaven!  Create hybrid cards like Suzie's quick and easy sympathy card, invitations, calendars, scrapbooks, swatchbooks, journals, and more.  Simply head over to my online store, candystamps.stampinup.net, to browse the incredible array of digital designing options available for you.  And try out FREE My Digital Studio for 30 days!  Email me with any questions.  I can't wait to see YOUR hybrid cards:)

Gnome Sweet Gnome Card Class-Last Day to Register

Today is the last day to sign up for my super-fun Gnome Sweet Gnome card class that will occur next Friday in my San Antonio Studio.  Of course, if you are taking the Class by Mail, you can have card class anytime you want!  Here are the details:

• Hands-on instruction during class
• Written instructions for home use
• 2 deluxe handmade cards with envelopes-extra large size!
• 2 different boxes/favors
• 2 jumbo tags
• Bonus:  a fun technique!
• Friday, April 13th, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m 
• $40 includes all supplies*, including the Gnome Sweet Gnome (click on the stamp set name to see the entire set) stamp set (clear mount)*If you already have the Gnome Sweet Gnome stamp set, you may substitute any other stamp set valued at $21.95 or less.  Simply email me with your stamp set choice.
• Class Kit by Mail option-includes stamp set and all pre-cut consumable items like punched pieces, Big Shot elements, ribbons, etc.
• Instructions only option
• rsvp with payment by 4/5/12
• Checks, credit cards, and cash accepted

Gnomes Class

In Studio Class $40.75 USD Class by Mail $45.75 USD Instructions only $4.95 USD

*Please bring your own basic adhesive and clear blocks.

For this class, you not only take home 6 completed stamped projects and all the instructions to recreate them, you also take home the Occasions Mini Catalog stamp set Gnome Sweet Gnome.  Great Stampin' Up! products produce fantastic stamping projects:)  I can't wait to stamp with you!

Free Stamping Projects Every Month!

My Sweet Stamper newsletter comes to your inbox twice each month absolutely free!  The first one is packed with free stamping projects, tool tips, creative inspiration, technique tutorials, and more in addition to exclusive specials.  The second one is shorter but also informative and helpful.

Don't miss out on this great free resource for your creativity.  Sign up today in the little sign up box to your upper left.  My April letter went out yesterday, but I'll send one to you when you sign up this week.  

Gnome Sweet Gnome Card Class!

It's time to register for my Gnome Sweet Gnome card class where we will be making 2 extra large handmade cards, 2 jumbo tags, and 2 different treat holders/favors AND receiving the Gnome Sweet Gnome stamp set.  It all happens next week, and I need to get your stamp sets and supplies ordered, so get registerd now.  Registration closes this Thursday, April 5th.

Friday, April 13th

6:30-8:30 p.m.

My Studio-13246 Trentwood, San Antonio, TX  78231

Class by Mail option

Instructions only option

• Hands-on instruction during class
• Written instructions for home use
• 2 deluxe cards with envelopes-extra large size!
• 2 different boxes/favors
• 2 jumbo tags
• Bonus:  a fun technique!
• Friday, April 13th, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m 
• $40 includes all supplies*, including the Gnome Sweet Gnome (click on the stamp set name to see the entire set) stamp set (clear mount)*If you already have the Gnome Sweet Gnome stamp set, you may substitute any other stamp set valued at $21.95 or less.  Simply email me with your stamp set choice.
• Class Kit by Mail option-includes stamp set and all pre-cut consumable items like punched pieces, Big Shot elements, ribbons, etc.
• Instructions only option
• rsvp with payment by 4/5/12
• Checks, credit cards, and cash accepted
• *Please bring your own basic adhesive and clear blocks

Gnomes Class

In Studio Class $40.75 USD Class by Mail $45.75 USD Instructions only $4.95 USD

If you can't come to my Studio in San Antonio, my card class can come to you!  

Bright Blossoms Stamp Set Alternate Look

Last week, I showed you this same Bright Blossoms Stamp Set card in a slightly different color scheme.  By simply turning over one of the pieces of Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and using different color inks on the stamped image, I get a rather different look.  This began as a meeting swap, and then I started playing around with different color inks and different sides of the lovely Summer Smooches.  

These are sneak peek items from the Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Catalog, to be released June 1st.  All items on these cards are available for purchase.  Hop over to my online store to check them out and purchase them today.  

Which version of my handmade card do you like best???  Leave me a comment below and I'll put your name in a drawing for some blog candy!  I've put a pic below of the two cards side by side for comparison.  I can't wait to hear from you:)