A Passion for Stamps

Would You Like to Receive My Monthly Stamping & Scrapbooking Newsletter?

 

 
Tree, Thoughts & Prayers Decor Elements (wall vinyl)



Hi stamp enthusiasts!

Are you a rubber stamping or scrapbooking enthusiast?  Do you share my passion for new ideas for making Stampin' Up! cards, scrapbook pages,  gift items?  Would you like to learn new stamping card or scrapbook techniques or tips to using crafting tools?  Would you like to stay on top of the classes I offer?  Maybe you have papercrafting questions you would like some answers to?  

If you answered YES to any of the above, then you will love my monthly A Passion For Stamps Newsletter that I send out to customers on my e-mail list!  The newletter includes everything I've already mentioned plus so much more-all of which are exclusive to my subscribers! 

Here are some of the features of the newsletter that as a subscriber,  you will receive every month:

• a CARD project (or two) 
• a SCRAPBOOK PAGE
• a TECHNIQUE (or two)
• a 3-D, HOME DECOR  OR GIFT project (or two)
  

**THE ABOVE ITEMS ALL INCLUDE A PHOTO, SUPPLY LIST, AND STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS!

• a Tool Tip (or several)
• a Featured Product of the Month
  
• New Product information
  
• Stampin' Up! News & Promotions
• My Upcoming Classes and Events
• Exclusive Specials, Discounts or Coupons
  
• Important Links
• Customer Q&A
  

It's truly a newsletter worth receiving and--it's FREE!  It's a way to keep my customers informed and to offer things I don't offer anywhere else.

If this sounds good to you,  now is the perfect time to subscribe to insure that you will receive my October Newsletter which will be coming out in the next few days!

TO SUBSCRIBE TO A PASSION FOR STAMPS NEWSLETTER:

Just add your e-mail address to the JOIN OUR CUSTOMER MAILING LIST BOX on the left sidebar! Enjoy!  Until next time...

Passionate About Stamping,

Challenged to Craft Your Own Cards? -Simply Sent Kits to the rescue!

Are you looking for a creative outlet?  Do you feel like you don't have time for crafting, although you would love to learn?  Or do you think it's hard and you won't be able to do it?  Maybe you are already a stamper, but you are just pressed for time or you just need help combining stamp sets, accessories and colors...

 

Well,  I have the perfect solution for you to get started with crafting your own cards-it's easy, fast and FUN!  How? With Stampin' Up!'s Simply Sent Kits! 

Simply Sent Kits are an excellent choice for someone new to crafting because they include the papers, embellishments, envelopes, PLUS photos and the step-by-step instructions you need to make 8 simple yet elegant cards!  There is a variety of basic themes so you can select a kit for any occasion! All you have to do is customize them and sent them out!  

You will need to purchase stamp sets, ink and adhesives separately, but each kit tells you which stamp set you will need and the colors the kit coordinate with, so you can order whichever inks you like.

Now that you know what Simply Sent Kits are, I have a special to tell you about!  During the month of October, if you buy two Simply Sent Kits, you will get a FREE coordinating stamp set!

Buy any two of the following Simply Sent Kits:

Page	Item	Description	Price
192	122375	Simply Sent Great Day	$12.95
193	122377	Simply Sent Everyday Elegance	$11.95
193	122376	Simply Sent Sweet Moments	$13.95

And get a FREE coordinating stamp set:

Page	Item	Description	Price
192	123682	It's Your Day	$8.95
192	124685	Es tu día (Spanish It's Your day)	$8.95
192	124800	C'est ta fête (French It's Your Day)	$8.95
193	123686	Everyday Wishes	$9.95
193	123684	You're Cherished	$8.95
193	124865	Chérissons les anges (French You're Cherished)	$8.95

Isn't that a great deal?  So-are you ready to give it a try? Remember, this deal is only good through October 31, do hurry!  If you need help you can always email me

If you would like to order online yourself, simply go HERE now.  Until next time,

Passionate about Stamping,

 

 

 

 

Halloween M&M Stix Goodies Double as Fall/Thanksgiving Home Decor item!

I love decorating the home for holidays...starting with Fall-don't you?  Here's a great idea for you!  While making some halloween M&M Stix treats with stamps, punches, inks, papers M&M candies and Stampin' Up!'s NEW 1"x8" Cellophane Bags,  I  decided I needed something to put the candy in!  I decorated a vase using Stampin' Up! fabrics and buttons, then accidentally created a wonderful home decor item for the table in my foyer!  I now have instant home decor that can be switched out for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving-lasting for three months!  (I loved the idea so much, I already made one for Christmas too!)  It also makes a terrific hostess gift!  Here's what the end result looks like:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't it lovely?  It's really quite easy to make this!  Fall/halloween M&M's weren't out yet when I created this, so I purchased regular M&M candies and separated all the colors out into different dishes.  (The red and green I saved for the Christmas M&M Stix).  The orange, yellow and brown were all used for this treat container and my hubby and I ate the blue ones!  Try making some with the kids-just add some Apple Cider and you already have a snack on hand for them that they will love! (kids love to eat while they create, just like us adults do!)  Here is what you will need:

SUPPLIES (all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted)

STAMPS:  Batty for You (116576), Falling Leaves (115386)-greeting & candy topper                              

INKS:  Classic Black Pad (101179)

CARDSTOCK:   Basic Black (121045),  Pumpkin Pie (105117), More Mustard (100946), Old Olive (100702),  Various scraps of Designer Series Papers

ACCESSORIES:  Cellophane Bags (124134) -1" x 8" (50 per pkg),  SNAIL Adhesive (104332),  eck the Halls Designer Fabric (121716), Tangerine Tango 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (124144),  Designer Buttons (Regals 119744 and Brights 119747), Various Markers, Various sizes of the circle punches and 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch (119854)

OTHER:  Vase or small jar, M&M's-large bag

To make it quicker and easier to get the M&M's into the cellophane bags: 

 Make a funnel from copy paper, that fits into the top of the cello bag-then drop one M&M in at a time, alternating the colors-just make sure the bottom candy lies flat and the rest will stack up right on top.   It works beautifully and fills up quickly!  It takes about 20-24 M&M's per Stix to fill each cello bag.

The tops of the bags have an adhesive strip closure.   Leave room at top so you can add the topper.  The toppers were made with increasing sizes of  Stampin' Up! circle punches, including the Scallop Circle punch.  layer your cardstock pieces on top of each other then end with a front and back that can be adhered together, with the candy stix in the middle. 

Decorate your vase, add a bunch of M&M Stix and you are ready for all those trick or treaters and Halloween!  When Halloween is over, change out the theme for Fall/Thanksgiving and you can still have a lovely item to grace any room in your house till Christmas!  (make those now too,  then just change your vase ribbon and button colors and you'll be ready with a holiday display till New Year's!)  This could be an ongoing decoration you leave out all year round!  Enjoy!  Don't forget to let me know in a comment here, how yours turn out...or e-mail me a picture of your creation and maybe I will feature it in a future blog post! 

If you would like to order any of the supplies to make this project,  please email me or you can order online here.  To check out our products or view any of our catalogs, click on the rotating catalog images on the right sidebar of this blog.

Until next time.....

Passionate about stamping!

 

 

Only 4 Hours Until 12 Weeks of Christmas begins...

Hurry--it's not too late...if you aren't on my mailing list, you still have time to sign up to receive 12 weeks of FREE holiday project ideas starting in just 4 hours-ONLY for my email subscribers! To receive a photo, supply list and instructions to make the first beautiful project idea (a card) for the 12 Weeks of Christmas, just enter your email address in the box to the left, and follow the prompts!

Passionate about stamping,

 

 

Only 24 Hours Till the "12 Weeks of Christmas" Begins!

In 24 hours,  subscribers to my Customer Newsletter will receive their FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD IDEA-the first of 12 FREE  Christmas card, Gift and Gift Bags/Tags project ideas that I will send via email over the next 12 weeks!  If you would like to receive these ideas, simply enter your email address to the left in the box Join My Customer Mailing List.

 

 

2011-12 Weeks of Christmas Ideas is almost here!

I am happy to say I will once again be providing a gift of 12 weeks of Christmas Holiday Project ideas this year! Starting October 5, each week on Wednesday, I will send out exclusively to my SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, an e-mail with either a card, gift, or bag & tag idea-complete with photo, supply list and instructions! At the end of 12 weeks you will have 12 great holiday ideas! And--it's free! So if you are not currently a subscriber, click on "Join My Mailing List" at the top left of this blog. You can sign up anytime and you will receive ideas from that point forward, but to receive all 12 ideas, you must be signed up before October 5! Be on the lookout for the first email the afternoon of Otober 5th-ONLY to my email subscribers! Have a great day!

 

 

I'm Back.....

I took a long vacation from posting to my blog-family is my priority, and sometimes we have to put our families first. 

I am back now, and will be working on updating my blog, my business Facebook Page (A Passion For Stamps) and upcoming classes for the holidays, so be sure to stop back again and visit!

Thanks,

 

Looking for holiday gifts? Great Craft fair-TODAY!

Craft Fairs are a great place to pick up unusual hand-crafted gifts you cannot find anywhere else...so if you are in the area, come and check out Wallkill Valley High School's annual Holiday Craft & Gift Fair located at:

10 Grumm Road in Hamburg NJ 07419 (off route 94)

TODAY from 9-4! 

I have a table at this fair every year, as it is the school our son graduated from and now this year is the last year for our daughter...so this craft fair is near and dear to my heart, as this school is the place that is reminiscent of some great memories...  

There is a wall in the vestibule as soon as you enter the school, which displays graduation pictures of all previous students who are enlisted in the armed services, and our son's photo is proudly displayed among them.  (He is currently serving in the United States Coast Guard).  There are photos down the left hallway of all the previous graduating classes, and in June 2011, my daughter's senior class picture will take its place on the wall, joining  her brother in that display as well.  

I have been so preoccupied with family matters and prepping for craft fairs this fall, that blogging and posting to my Twitter & FaceBook pages have suffered...I'm hoping that after this craft fair, things can sort of get back to normal again, even though the hustle and bustle of the holidays is upon us!  We are actually doing pretty well with holiday prep- we cut down our tree last weekend at Shehli Tree Farm in Vernon, GREAT place for not only trees, but hand made wreaths, grave blankets, Kissing Balls etc.  (my daughter is the manager and like her mom, she is crafty, so she makes all these things!).  We actually got our lighted reindeer, sleigh, manger scene etc. set up last weekend, but alas, the tree is outside waiting to be brought in and decorated in all its glory, and the outside lights, (traditionally MY job) are all tested, but are in a pile until I have the time to get out there and do my thing...decorating the trees and shrubs outside! So, as soon as this craft fair is over, I can plunge into holiday decorating mode!

Holiday Craft Fairs really get me in the mood for all the upcoming festivities,  such as decorating, gift-wrapping and baking to come in the weeks ahead.  I thoroughly enjoy participating in them as a crafter, creating gifts from simple things like "rubber stamps" and all the coordinating and fun accessories, ink pads, papers etc. that have made being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for almost 15 years so wonderful!  This is still a  a wonderful and creative hobby (and career job for me)  that I love!  I hope you'll stop by and see just a touch of why I love rubber stamping, scrapbooking and papercrafts,  used in all the gifts I have made!  In the coming weeks, I'll show you some of the gift items I created for these shows, but if you can come in person, it's always so much more special. 

See you at the Craft Fair!

 

Amazing Limited-time offer: 50 Percent off Stampin' Up! Starter kits-Join Now!

Have you ever considered becoming a Stampin' up! demonstrator?  Has the price of the starter kit been a deterrent?  I am happy to tell you about an amazing opportunity!

What do you call it when you get over $310 in crafting and business supplies for only $87.50? You can call it an amazing deal, but we're calling it an amazing opportunity!

From November 15-30, you can purchase either our Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits at 50 percent off the regular retail price of $175 (plus free shipping!), and enjoy these great benefits as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator:

•  Earn additional income while sharing creativity.
• Make new and lasting friendships.
• Enjoy access to nearly unlimited creative ideas.
• Receive a free subscription to our exclusive monthly magazine.
• Receive free two-month subscription to your own business website.
• Opportunity to earn free products and incentive trips.

Both the Standard Starter Kit and the Digital + Kit are available at this amazing price! The standard kit includes a variety of paper crafting products, and the Digital + Kit is a great option to showcase both traditional crafting products and our exciting digital design software, My Digital Studio.

You will love being a demonstrator-part time,  or build a full time career...I would love to have you on my team:  the S.O.S.  Team of  demonstrators (S.aving O.verwhelmed S.tampers)!

Click on pic below to view the flyer, then contact me via email or phone to sign up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator today, at half-price!  (offer good only until November 30, 2010!)

Mistletoe Market Craft Fair In Franklin NJ was last weekend!

I apologize to my readers for not blogging for a few weeks. It could not be avoided.

This fall has been extremely unpredictable..and very traumatic for our family, due to some unusual and totally unexpected and upsetting happenings.   Things are looking brighter now,  so hopefully I'll be able to keep up with my blogposts.  

If you are a subscriber to my monthly newsletter, you are aware that our family has been through some tough ordeals of late.. and you learned about some of the classes I held and that I was once again participating in some craft fairs this holiday season.  (if you are not a subscriber to my monthly newsletter, you can easily become a subscriber by adding your email address to the link on the upper left sidebar).  As a subscriber, you will also currently receive any remaining weeks of my exclusive Twelve Weeks of  Christmas Projects Events posted every Wednesday.

Thanks so much to my customers and others for your patronage who came out to see me last weekend for our Fourth Annual Mistletoe Market Craft & Consultant Fair Event at my church-First Presbyterian Church of Franklin in Sussex County NJ. 

I did very well there,  and am looking forward to my next craft fair at Wallkill Valley High School in Hamburg on December 4. 

I meant to take to a picture of my table...but totally forgot, or I would include that here on this blog post!  I was busy most of the day with customers, so it went right out of my head..

I love doing this fair at my church, because not only does it help our church, but I really enjoy making projects for Thanksgiving, as well as Christmas. 

 

THANKSGIVING BLESSING MIX JARS for sale!

I created my own version of the Thanksgiving Blessing Mix as a JAR instead of a baggie project (which was what was originally created several years ago)  and it has always been popular at my shows ever since! It makes a terrific Thanksgiving Hostess Gift!  I was inspired by the idea originally shared online on this site and  I change it up a bit each year, based on what Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers I have on hand.  I've used other ideas from others which I shared in previous years and have modified. This year, I was trying to use up some of last years papers...but also added some from this year-unfortunately I didn't take  a pic of them...so here are some views of those using last years papers with different ribbons:

Front of Jar

Top of Jar

Back of Jar

 

  Contents of Baggie

I've sold out of all these offered at Craft Fairs...but if you ORDER NOW-by November 16th, I can have extras made up and ready to pick up by the 23rd (for those local to Northern New Jersey) or ready to mail out by the 20th. (this fee can be adjusted per your state laws).   Blessing Mix Jar is $6 (plus add priority shipping & handling of $6.50 per jar).

Please email me or call me no later than November 16th and include the state I'm shipping the order to.  Orders limited to the United States only.

Happy Harvest!

 

Only 2 Days Left for Stampin' Up!'s Clearance Rack Blitz!

Hope you are having a terrific weekend!

The Clearance Rack Blitz has been a big hit!  If you haven't checked it out yet, you only have 2 more days to take advantage of up to 80% off of discontinued Stampin’ Up! products!

The Clearance Rack Blitz ends on October 18, so make sure you place your order in time!  Click HERE, then on SHOP NOW, and look for Clearance Rack...

HAPPY BARGAIN SHOPPING!

Stampin' Up! 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog!

Design-a-House Décor Accents

Our brand-new Design-a-House chipboard house is so versatile! From Christmas village, to gingerbread house, haunted mansion, or Build-A-Bear Workshop playhouse, these cute houses will delight you all year round!

Chipboard houses can be decorated to suit any season or style. The included template will help you embellish as much or as little as you like with Designer Series Paper, ribbon, and more! The size of a finished house is approximately 6-1/4" x 6" x 5".

 

Haunted House

Stamps

    * Dark & Dreary

Paper

    * Basic Black Card Stock
    * Cajun Craze Card Stock
    * Old Olive Card Stock
    * Rich Razzleberry Textured Card Stock
    * Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper
    * White Vellum Paper
    * Waffle Paper Assortment 2

Ink

    * Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
    * Distressing Essentials
    * Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
    * VersaMarker
    * Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz

Accessories

    * Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
    * Black Stampin' Emboss Powder
    * Circle Scissor Plus
    * Color Spritzer Tool
    * Bitty Bat Punch

Have a SPOOKY time!

 

For You-Fall Card

Today I have a card for you that is simple to make and great for fall:

For You Card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

 

SUPPLIES

Stamps:

All Holidays Stamp Set
 Stamp Set French Foliage

Paper:

 Card Stock Old Olive 8 1/2X11
 Card Stock Very Vanilla 8 1/2X11

Ink

 Classic Stampin Pad Old Olive
 Classic Stampin Pad Pumpkin Pie
 Classic Stampin Pad Soft Suede
 Smooch Spritz Vanilla Shimmer

 Accessories:

 Scissors Paper Snips
 Thread Linen
 Snail Adhesive Permanent
 Stampin Dimensionals
 Mat Pack
 Sizzix Big Shot Machine
 Paper-Piercing Tool
 Ribbon Taffeta Old Olive 3/8                                                                                                                                            Medium 3/4" Circle punch
 Sizzix® Textured Impressions Square Lattice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fold Old Olive Card Stock in half to form card. Emboss bottom half of card front using Big Shot and Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.
2. Tie Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon around front of card, and tie ends with Linen Thread.
3. Stamp leaf image in Pumpkin Pie ink and script image and sentiment in Soft Suede ink on Very Vanilla Card Stock (3 1/2" x 2 1/2").
4. Pierce holes in corner of Very Vanilla Card Stock using Paper-Piercing Tool. Wrinkling card stock and spray with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. When dry, adhere to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
5. Stamp postmark image in Old Olive ink on Very Vanilla Card Stock scrap and punch out using 3/4" Circle Punch. Adhere circle to Very Vanilla Card Stock using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Hope you enjoy making it!  If you need any of the supplies to make this card, click HERE, then click on SHOP NOW.  Happy Stamping!

See you tomorrow,

Many Benefits to Scrapbooking

Today I have an article about Scrapbooking that I'd like to share with you:

 

ARTICLE - Many Benefits to Scrapbooking

---

 by Carole DeJarnatt

The scrapbooking hobby has been around for a long time and people do it for a variety of reasons. If you are an outsider to the world of scrapbooking, then you will not understand until you experience the craft the many reasons a person invests so much time and energy into a scrapbook page.


When I was first introduced to scrapbooking via my church family, I told them I had neither time nor energy to invest in creating pages of photos matched up with paper and cute little embellishments. I thought those people were crazy staying up all hours of the evening, dragging around tons of supplies, just to sit and create scrapbook pages. One evening I was invited to a scrapbook night and I agreed to come with the intent of visiting and watching. No scrapbooking for me. I was a business professional who could not imagine investing time or energy into something I felt was for stay-at-home moms or those who had nothing better to do.

Little did I know I was about to change my mind and attitude…during the evening of socializing and viewing all the pages of creation, something changed in me. One person in particular needed help with color coordinating and matting her photos. I started working with her and ended up finishing her page for her. The scrapbooking bug bit me and it bit hard! The very next day I was out buying all the essential tools to create my very own pages of photos.

What is it about scrapbooking that captures so many people's devotion and attention?

1. Focus--You lose your focus on everything except for the scrapbook page you are working on. You forget the world exist for a few moments and you focus on nothing but what is in front of you.
2. Creativity--All it takes is a sheet of paper and a few ideas to get your creative juices going. Whether the ideas are from a magazine, your surroundings, or the scrapbook paper held in your hand; the end result is pure enjoyment.
3. History--When I think of a scrapbook, to me it is the history of the day, moment, or event. The page was created for future generations to learn of their family.
4. Expressing myself--The scrapbook is made by someone and that in itself is a source of pride and joy. The feeling you get from completing, giving, or sharing your scrapbooks is indescribable.
5. Giving--When working on a scrapbook layout, you are giving your thoughts, feelings, and memories to an event to share with others. The joy you feel when others express pleasure and enjoyment from your work is worth all the time and energy.

Scrapbooking has become so sophisticated you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to get started. If you are experienced with computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, your tools are at the tips of your hands. If you prefer traditional scrapbooking, you still have the ability to order supplies and tools at the comfort of your home and within days you will be completing your own scrapbook.

People today have a variety of reasons for making their own scrapbooks and/or creating creations of beauty with their supplies. The majority of my experience has been to create something to share with future generations. People want to be remembered and through a scrapbook their lives are shared.


About the Author

Carole DeJarnatt began her love with paper but now also designs digitally for the future generations of her family. Visit Bestscrapbookingresources.com for ideas, supplies, and learning guides. From beginner to expert, traditional scrapbooker to digital, the resources are available at http://www.bestscrapbookingresources.com to find what you need to create your own scrapbook or gifts for your friends and family.

Very interesting article, isn't it?  Of course,  Stampin' Up! has wonderful scrapbooking supplies such as Albums, Designer Series Papers (some are double-sided), beautifully coordinating  Craft Inks which are archival safe,  Simply Scrappin' Kits (everything you need, just add ink and stamps) and many accessories to add accents to your pages.  If you prefer digital scrapbooking, you will love My Digital Studio!  And right now is a perfect time to try it, because Stampin' Up! is offering the contest I recently talked about in a blog post. To read more about the contest, click HERE.  

To see what scrapbooking products Stampin' Up! has to offer, click HERE, then click on Products, then Product Lines.   Scrapbooking is worth checking out...you won't be sorry you did!

Mistletoe Market Craft Fair In Franklin NJ is back again!

Just a quick post to let you know that I will once again have my Stamp Table at the Mistletoe Market Craft Fair! I hope you will be able to come out and join in the FUN! More info at a later date! Please mark this date on YOUR calendar now...

DATE:  November 6, 2010

TIME: 10 - 4:00 P.M.

LOCATION:  First Presbyterian Church, 11 Main Street, Franklin, NJ 07416

C0me and visit us! Do your Christmas Shopping at your one-stop Christmas Shopping Fair!

More info to follow...

Blue Snowflake Holiday with a Square Lattice Background..

I thought I'd share another card from the Easy-to-Reproduce Holiday Swap...the creator didn't identify herself, so I can't give proper credit for this lovely card (if you are the creator please let me know).

This is an interesting blue and white themed card with simple stamping using the Snow Swirled Stamp set (111690) - a set of six stamps on page 40 of the 2010-2o11 Stampin' Up! catalog:

Cardstock color is Marina Mist, a sliver of Brushed Silver which gets the Eyelet Border Punch treatment, as well as Whisper White cardstock (after it was run through the Big Shot in the Square Lattice Embossing Folder).  Tuck the silver strip under the white lattice designed cardstock, with just a touch of silver peeking out...

I'm a fan of embossing folders! Not only do they have very cool designs that make wonderful backgrounds, accent pieces or borders, but they are incredibly easy and quick to use as well!

It doesn't show up in the photo too well, but each of the larger snowflakes are dotted in the center with one of the NEW Basic Rhinestone  embellishments that come 150 pieces to a package (50 each in 3 sizes) which have adhesive on the back-you simply peel them off and adhere! How easy is that! And, each package contains 3 strips of connected rhinestones or pearls too, which are PERFECT when you want to create a border!  LOVE these...

To finish the card off, the Whisper White satin ribbon is layered over a strip of Marina Mist cardstock cut slightly wider, then the embossed saying is punched out using the Oval Extra Large Punch.

All these products can be found in the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog! It's easy to check them out or purchase them - just go to my DBWS Store by clicking HERE, then click on the SHOP NOW button-you can shop and purchase right from there! Remember, you can only receive "preferred pricing" when you order from a Demonstrator's Business Web Site (DBWS).  This means you will get the lowest shipping cost, lowest price, and can also earn hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards for qualifying orders!  So always select a demonstrator when ordering from the online store!  If you don't have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'd love to be your Creative Coach! 

Also one other note about the Online Store Web Site-Stampin' Up! has been busy enhancing the performance of the web site, so your Online Store Orders will be processed faster now! That's great news, because I know how busy everyone is...

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting--please leave me a comment so I know you were here!

See you tomorrow!

 

 

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampwithdeb/

Stampin' Up! Contest For You! Using My Digital Studio!

If you own My Digital Studio,  would you like to win FREE My Digital Studio downloads from Stampin' Up! valued around $400?  

Stampin' Up!  is having their first ever digital design contest and both customers and demonstrators (US & Canada only) are invited to enter! (judging will be separate for customers and demos).  Winners will be selected from five customers and five demonstrators! The contest is on until November 15, 2010, so you have plenty of time to enter!

Here's YOUR opportunity to show off your talent and creativity!  All you have to do is design one card and two single-page scrapbook layouts using ONLY My Digital Studio and downloads!

To get all the details about the contest, just click on the MDS Design Contest logo on my right sidebar...GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

If you don't own My Digital Studio, and are interested in learning more or want to purchase new Stampin' Up! digital downloads,  click HERE, then click on SHOP NOW, and SELECT  Digital Crafting link! There's even a video for you to watch so you can learn all about it! If you decide you want to purchase My Digital Studio or any of the new downloads, you will be able to do it right from there! Who knows...maybe you will love it so much, you'll want to enter the contest too!  Who doesn't want new digital downloads...right?

If you have any questions, please email me!

I'd love to know if you decide to enter the contest...please post it in the comments after this post, if you do!

200 new items added to Stampin' Up! Clearance rack!

 

I have some exciting news for you!

STAMPIN' UP! CLEARANCE RACK IS RESTOCKED WITH

MORE THAN 200 ITEMS-SOME UP TO 80% OFF!

The Clearance Rack is quite popular with customers and demonstrators alike!  Why? Because it's THE  place to find discontinued Stampin' Up! products at fantastic prices!  Sometimes  do you wish you could just get one more package of that designer paper? or those adorable buttons? or ribbon? The list goes on and on and you can find some great buys-especially now that Stampin' Up! is adding over 200 more items (some at up to 80% off!) now through October 18 because they need room in their storage areas for the new products....

You can check out the Clearance Rack on my Demonstrator Business Web Site  (DBWS) and can even place an online order from there as you are viewing the products!  Just be sure to click on the SHOP NOW button after you click on the link above...If your order reaches $150 before tax and shipping, you will be eligible for hostess benefits and Stampin' Rewards!

Some items (depending on availability) may be made available in the Clearance Rack in the future, but all discontinued items are only available while supplies last.  All sales of discontinued items are FINAL and cannot be returned or exchanged.

So...don't wait another minute-click on the link for my Demonstrator Business Web Site 

now..while the racks are full!

HAPPY SHOPPING....

 

A few Holiday Swap cards using Smooch!

Recently I participated in a great swap with some of my INKredible demo friends, featuring  Easy to Make Holiday Cards.  Here are two cards I pulled out that use Stampin' Up's Smooch Spray along with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and either Crystal Effects or 2-Way Glue.

This first card by Jane Scates utilizes the Smooch in a subtle way on the cuff of  the coat and hat and scarf of the girl-it may be hard to see in this photo, but Crystal Effects was used here:

Papers used are Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake & Deck the Halls Designer Series paper (for the background). The ribbon is actually the new 1/2" Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding which can be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. It's a sweet card, isn't it?

The next card by Donna Foster is simple yet peaceful.  She used the Neighborhood Jumbo Wheel for the houses, colored them with markers, 2-way Glue and glitter then cut out a section and layered it on to Night of Navy cardstock that had been sprayed with the Silver Smooch spray first.  The star is made by hand with the glue and glitter.

There you have it-two quick and easy stamped holiday cards!

If you haven't tried the Smooch products yet, you really should give it a try!  There are four color Spritz sprays in gold, silver, vanilla and log cabin and as you can see in this sample, the speckles in the sky are just perfect to add some glimmer and sparkle to this night time sky...

There are four new colors of Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink that you can also use to add some pizzazz to your holiday cards-these look best when brushed over a solid stamped image and are available in Gold, Moonlight and Silver Fox. Use the Illuminate Top Coat over it for beautifully illuminized images!

If you would like to order any of these products,  email me! 

To learn more about these products, be sure to sign up for classes and stamp camps coming up in the next few months featuring these and many other new products! The link on the right sidebar with all my upcoming classes for the rest of the year will be updated within the week, so be sure to come back and check it out!

Thanks for stopping by,

Tote-ally Awesome! FREE tote when you join my Stampin' Up! team!

Looking to change jobs? Serious about making money?  Do you enjoy papercrafting, rubberstamping, scrapbooking or home decor?  Would you like to actually ENJOY your job?

Then you may be interested in a Business Opportunity with Stampin' Up!.  

I would love to talk to you about the benefits of joining my team of demonstrators (the S.O.S. Team- S.aving O.verwhelmed S.tampers)  and building a productive and successful career,  teaching others the craft of rubber stamping!  To be successful,  you do need the desire and willingness to work towards this goal.  Training is provided by Stampin' Up! as well as support from me as your upline.  You can be your own boss, make money, determine your own schedule and have job security!

I have been very successful as an Independent  Stampin' Up! demonstrator for over 14 years  - and, I love what I do!

If you would like more information to see if this is something that you would be interested in doing,  please email me at deb@debbiestamps.com.

For a limited time only, new recruits who join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator during the promotion period which runs until October 18th, will receive this FREE craft tote (valued at $39.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit! 

  Imagine sharing your love of Stampin' Up! with this stylish and practical tote, patterned after our Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper and large enough to carry 12" x 12" card stock and a Paper Cutter, as well as punches, ink pads, and accessories. And with two Starter Kits* to choose from--Standard and Digital+--at a new lower price, there has never been a better time to join the Stampin' Up! family.

 If you would like more information to see if this is something that you would be interested in doing,  just drop me a note by emailing me at deb@debbiestamps.com.

 

 

12 Weeks of Christmas Campaign starts in just a few hours...

You don't want to miss the first week of

12 Weeks of FREE Christmas projects,  do you?

 To be sure you receive all 12 stamping project ideas, you'll need to sign up before 1:00 p.m. (EST) today!  (Of course you can sign up anytime during the campaign, but you will only receive the emails from when you sign up!)

If you haven't joined my mailing list yet, hurry--there are only 4 more hours to do so!  Only those who are on my Customer Mailing list

will receive this special GIFT  

each week for the next 12 weeks, starting today!

Click HERE to read all about it and to find out how to join my mailing list....

23 hours left to sign up for 12 Weeks of Christmas stamping ideas!

Have you signed up yet?

Only those on my customer mailing list will receive:

12 weeks of stamped cards, gifts, tags and wrapping ideas

...starting October 6 at 1:00 p.m.!

There are only 23 hours left till the first email goes out!

Click HERE for more info and to sign up, so you don't miss a single idea!

 

I apologize for the strange appearance of my blog at this time. Until this is fixed, scroll down left sidebar until you see my posts. Thanks!

Special Gift Announcement for Mailing List Members!

The holiday season is quickly approaching and who doesn't need help with ideas during this wonderful-yet busy time of the year? 

We want to help your season go more smoothly so we have a wonderful special gift that is FREE to only mailing list subscribers of this blog!

The 12 Weeks of Christmas campaign will begin THIS WEEK! What is it? Each week, subscribers to this blog only will receive an e-mail featuring a different project idea for a holiday card, gift, tag or packaging idea, along with the instructions to create it!

The first of these project ideas is going out in just 48 hours, at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6! If you are not already a subscriber to our customer mailing list, you still have time to sign up! All you have to do to receive the 12 weeks of Christmas emails along with all the other benefits listed is to enter your email address in the box below. 

Sign up for our mailing list and receive:

• Free Monthly A Passion for Stamps Newsletter!

• Tool Tips & Techniques, Card, Gift & Scrapbook ideas!

• First notification of Classes & Events & our specials!

Stampin' Up! specials!

and more...

Join Our Mailing List

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We will NEVER share your

information with anyone, anytime!

When we receive confirmation of your subscription, you will be all set to receive the first of your 12 Weeks of Christmas projects!

 

PASSIONSTAMPER'S RETIRED STAMPIN' UP! STAMP SETS FOR SALE

 

 

I have many stamp sets that I am selling. These stamp sets are all retired and are listed alphabetically by set starting with the oldest, number of stamps in each set, the condition, the last retail sales price and price I'm asking. I am only permitted to sell retired sets, not current sets still available in our catalogs. Rare sets may not be discounted, but most sets are discounted-based on condition up to 50%. Many are new or only 1 stamp has been assembled and used. Some are heavily stained because I have used them for classes, camps or at workshops-these are noted and are 50% off. I have many, many more that will be added as I go through my inventory, so check back often for updates.

 

Due to the extensive number of sets I have, I cannot show pictures of them here. If you would like to see what a set looks like, e-mail me  your request and I will be happy to send you a photo. A "V" before ORIG PRICE/SALE PRICE signifies it was a previous hostess set, a demonstrator-only incentive set or the total Value of a bundled package. All sets are sold "as is" based on "Condition" stated and cannot be refunded, exchanged or returned.

SHIPPING

I will send via Priority Mail for $6.50 per set. Two or more sets-$8.95+ depending on what I can fit in the envelope/box. I will combine shipping for more than one set purchased when possible. I will ship anywhere in the US only please, as permitted by Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator regulations. Payment will be accepted via PayPal only (checking account, debit or credit card). You do not have to have a PayPal account to use their service at www.paypal.com.  Email me your requests to me and include your shipping location zip code, so I can send you a PayPal invoice. You will be instructed how to make your purchase.  (A minimal fee to cover PayPal fee may be added)

1990 THRU 1999 (Date set was first released)

Stamp Set/Stamps in Set/Year Released/Condition/Original Price/Discounted Purchase Price (not including shipping)

All Season Wreath (8) 1997  lightly stained $ 16.95/15.00 SOLD
Basket of Blossoms-2 Step (7)'99 NEW-assembled  16.95/13.00
Basket of Happiness (9) 1996  Barely used  26.95/21.00
Beehive (DD) (1 large) 1998 lightly stained  13.95/11.00
Big Birdhouse (DD() (1 large) 1998   NEW-unassembled  10.95/10.00
Celebrate (2-step) (11) 1998  new +3 stamps stained 17.95/13.00
Cherries, Checks & Posies (4) '95  Like New 10.95/9.00
Cottage Rose (DD)  (13) 1999  Well Used-1 missing   26.95/11.00
Country Collection (4) 1999 L1Hostess set-New-unassembled V14.95/14.95
Country Vine (4)  1995  NEW-assembled 19.95/16.00
Delightful Dress Ups (17) 1997 Barely used-1 missing  25.95/20.00
Dollhouse (32) +2 Tablets  1994  RARE-Few lightly stained  V40.00 SOLD
Fabulous Flourishes (11) 1992   2 stamps stained  18.95/ 14.00
Fanciful Flower-2 step (13) 1999  Barely used   26.95/22.00 
Fantastic Foliage (8) 1998 Well used-heavily stained 21.95/11.00 SOLD
Feathered Hope (9)  1998 Well used-some stained  24.95/12.50
Flowers Give Pleasure  (8) 1995  two stamps stained  19.95/15.00
Flutterbys (10)  1999  heavily stained  26.95/13.00 SOLD
Fun Corners & Borders (6) 1997 NEW-assembled  19.95/15.00
Fun Flowers (10) 1998 heavily stained  26.95/13.00
Fun Frame Borders  (6) 1998  barely used-1 assembled  20.50/17.00
Glad Heart (6) 1998 L1Hostess  lightly stained  V16.95/15.00'
Gingerbread Xmas(4) 1998 Hostess Unmounted-NEW V9.95/9.95
Great Groupings (3) 1999 L1Hostess set-NEW-assembled  V16.95/15.00
Happy Fourth   (8) 1999  unassembled (1 stained)  17.95/14.00
Happy Spring  (11) 1992  lightly stained 16.95/15.00
Home Tweet Home (1) 1995 barely used  10.95/8.00
Mini Seasonal Borders#1 (4) 1997  1 of 4 lightly stained 16.95/15.00
Not So Short Notes (4)  1997 like NEW  19.95/15.00
Patchwork Border   (4) 1996 moderately stained 20.50/16.00
Peace & Comfort (4) 1998 1 lightly stained stamp 15.95/13.00
Penguin Pals  (4) 1999 heavily stained  16.95/8.00  SOLD
Petite Patterns  (7)  1999  1 assembled; 6 new  11.95/10.00
Petite Posies   (14)   1998 lightly stained  18.95/15.00
Posy and Bee (DD) (10) 1998 heavily stained; labels faded 24.95/12.00
Scenery Set  (10) 1992  lightly stained-2missing  17.95/12.00 SOLD
Seasonal Shelves (4) 1999 NEW-assembled 20.95/16.00
Treasured Keepsakes  (13) 1994 NEW-assembled  24.95/20.00

2000-2005 (Date set was first released)

Beary Best  (9) 2000 L3Hostess  NEW-assembled  V29.95/23.00
Birds  (6)   2000  NEW-unassembled  18.95/15.00
Gifts from the Orient  (6)  2002  NEW-unassembled demo set  V19.95/16.00-SOLD
Girl Talk  (8) 2000  NEW-unassembled  21.95/18.00                                                                                          It's Snow Time (12) 2004 moderately stained 31.95/26.00
Rose Rhapsody (13) 2000  New-assembled  26.95/20.00
Seasonal Sprays (3) 2000   heavily stained  17.95/8.00
Terrific Tulips-2 Step   (9)  2001 heavily stained  24.95/12.50  SOLD

                                                                    

 

DAY 6: TIPS 6-10 TO TAKING BETTER PICTURES

NOTE: I apologize for not posting the rest of these tips on a daily basis as originally planned. Sometimes life throws  us curves which interfere with the best intentioned plans. To catch up on time, all remaining tips will be published in this post. Thanks for understanding! 

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

Tip#6: LOCK THE FOCUS!

Following up on subject placement, most cameras will lock the focus on the center of the picture. As we just discussed in Tip #5, the best photo is not always with the subject in the center, but off-center. So if you want a clear, non-blurry photo of your subject off-center, here's a trick to use with your camera: with the subject in the middle of the photo, lock the focus pressing and holding the shutter button halfway, then move your camera to position  the subject out of the center. Now you can press the shutter button down the rest of the way and take your picture!  

Tip#7: TO FLASH OR NOT TO FLASH!

Do you know the flash range of your camera? If you take photos beyond the maximum flash range of your camera, your photos may turn out too dark. The usual maximum flash range is up to fifteen feet (approximately five steps from the camera).

If you don't know the maximum flash range of your camera, it's better to take the photos from ten feet away from your subject. If using film cameras, check into a higher speed film  for extended distances. 

Most cameras include a fill-flash setting, but it's advisable to know when and how to use flash settings on your camera for situations when the lighting isn't quite right. 

When to use FILL FLASH FEATURE of your camera:

• on bright sunny days or beach/snow photos which cause facial shadows to appear; also darker complexions and brimmed hats cause shadows or dark areas
• When lighting is coming from the side or back of the subject (this causes the subject to appear much darker)

When to avoid using FLASH FEATURE of your camera (turn flash off):

• when taking photo at a great distance
• when shiny backgrounds (mirrors, sun, other bright reflections) reflect bright light
• a background sunset scene with your subject as a silhouette in the foreground
• when desired effect is light being reflected onto subject (glow in evening, light accent)
• when flash is not permitted

Other tips for optimum performance:

• Make sure your batteries are not running low, or you won't have full flash power
• To avoid red eye, brighten up the room with lighting to shrink pupils, and ask subjects not to look directly into the lens. Avoid use of the "red eye reduction" flash setting—to many people it's distracting and confusing.

Tip#8: Be Aware of Light Source!

Lighting is critical and makes all the difference in photos.  Photos can be taken in any kind of weather, but it's important to know how to use the weather conditions for different affects. Surprisingly, the best time to take a photo isn't in the middle of a bright sunny day. On an overcast or cloudy day, portrait photos turn out great because there are no shadows to deal with. Flowers, more specifically pastel florals photograph best in this lighting. Landscapes photos are best taken earlier in the day or in the evening.  Bright sunshine with side lighting can enhance wrinkles of an older person, but take the photo on a cloudy day and these wrinkles with be softened.

If the lighting is less than ideal, move your subject or the camera for a better shot.

In light rainy weather, you can capture the light reflecting off of the surrounding area for unusual photos.

Tip#9: SWITCH FROM LANDSCAPE TO PORTRAIT VIEWS!

If you look at photos you've taken, are most of them taken horizontally (landscape view)? This is typical because we tend to hold the camera this way.  Group pictures are usually better taken horizontally. 

Try changing it up now and then for portraits by turning your camera in the vertical (portrait) position.  Full length or close-up pictures turn out great like this, as the emphasis is on your subject. Spotlighting historical sites or landscape markings are ideal for the vertical view. Give it a try!

Tip#10: YOU'RE IN CONTROL!

When you are in charge of taking the pictures, you become the picture director!  It's up to you to decide where everyone will stand in a group photo, or where the best lighting for the picture is. It's up to you to guide a person in the proper way to stand, tip the head or hold a prop for a portrait photo. Here are a few tips for group and single portrait picture-taking:

TAKING A GROUP PHOTO

• Outdoor photos are best! Make sure the sun is lighting the faces of the group in sunny weather. Have the group set up by an object that portrays the event. Direct each person as to how to stand, what to hold, where to look. Try splitting a larger group into two smaller arrangements-several in each group. Remember the focus is on the group, so be sure there are no background distractions that may take away from the group. 
• Indoor photos are fun too! Remember all the other tips you've learned here. Use your camera's flash feature, and stay within your camera's maximum flash range. Try to position a larger group in no more than two rows.

TAKING PORTRAITS

• Take a Self-portrait! Learn how to use the Self-Timer feature of your camera, or you can use the zoom feature and hold the camera at arm's length to take a photo of yourself! Use a wide-angle if your camera has a zoom lens. Try experimenting with photos of yourself in different settings, doing different tasks, or just being you!  Try different facial expressions to portray various aspects of your own unique personality. 
• Semi-formal portraits: cloudy day lighting is best to capture a soft, flattering look of your subject. Pay attention to distractions from your focal point such as busy backgrounds. Take full figure view or zoom in for a closer photo. Your camera should be at your subject's eye level. Guide the person as to which way to stand, turn the head or where to place the hands.

I HOPE YOU'VE ENJOYED THESE TIPS AND HAVE LEARNED A FEW THINGS ABOUT BETTER  PICTURE-TAKING!  GREAT PHOTOS ARE AN ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP WHEN CREATING BEAUTIFUL SCRAPBOOKS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS TO COME!

THE NEXT STEP,  IS LEARNING HOW TO TAKE THESE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND CREATE PAGES USING STAMPS, SIMPLY SCRAPPING KITS, ACCESSORIES AND DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS!  I TEACH SCRAPBOOKING 101 CLASSES WHERE YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT LAYOUTS, TITLES, JOURNALING AND ACCENTS, AND PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!  

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCRAPBOOKING 101 CLASSES I OFFER, CLICK ON THE CALENDAR ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR OF THIS BLOG. 

TO ENJOY SAMPLES OF SCRAPBOOK PAGES, STAMPED CARDS, AND MANY OTHER STAMPING TIPS EACH MONTH, ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE BOX ON THE TOP LEFT SIDEBAR TO JOIN MY MAILING LIST, AND RECEIVE MY MONTHLY PASSION FOR STAMPS NEWSLETTER!

Note to demonstrators: My CUSTOMER newsletter is meant for my customers, and prospective customers.  If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please respect this is my customer list and do not sign up for my customer mailing list. Thank you.

Thanks for visiting! Come back soon...

Passionately Scrapping,

Only 3 Days Left for May Scrapbooking Promotion!

If you haven't checked it out yet, Stampin' Up! has a nice Scrapbooking Promotion this month-a free package of Designer Brads when you purchase a qualifying stamp set or My Digital Studio! Click HERE to visit my ONLINE STORE and Click SHOP NOW to place an order or email me  by 9:00 p.m. Monday May 31 f you would like me to place an order for you.

Happy Shopping!

Here are the qualifying stamp sets:

Stamp sets

Page	Description	Wood-Mount Item	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Item	Clear-Mount Price
81	Extreme Elements	115181	$26.95	---	---
119	Framed with Love**	114389	$27.95	---	---
128	Certified**	113706	$27.95	---	---
129	Circle Circus	115778	$28.95	---	---
12*	Elements of Style	118611	$27.95	120045	$19.95
13*	Mementos	119910	$27.95	120105	$19.95
13*	Elements de style	119900	$27.95	120099	$19.95
14*	Rough Type	118659	$26.95	120072	$18.95
22*	Sentimental Journey	118513	$23.95	120075	$17.95
25*	First Day	118521	$23.95	120051	$17.95
25*	Camino a la Escuela	120152	$23.95	120154	$17.95

*From Summer Mini Catalog
**Last Chance stamp set!

My Digital Studio software

Page	Description	Item	Price
32*	My Digital Studio	118108	$79.95

*From Summer Mini Catalog

Designer brads

Page	Description	Item	Retail Price	Price with Qualifying Purchase
179	Flower Designer brads	112579	$5.95	FREE
179	Filigree Designer brads	112577	$5.95	FREE
179	Circle Designer brads	112571	$5.95	FREE
179	Star Designer brads	112572	$5.95	FREE

DAY 5: TIP FIVE OF TEN TIPS TO TAKING BETTER PICTURES

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

Tip#5: THE RULE OF THIRDS & OFF-CENTER SUBJECT PLACEMENT

Where do you think the subject of your photo should be positioned in the viewfinder? in the center? The only time this is so is when the subject is part of a formal arrangement such as a wedding pose, prom photo etc.  Otherwise, it's best to use the Rule of Thirds when photographing people. Imagine drawing a tic-tac-toe grid on your viewfinder-then place a prominent feature such as the face, on one of the points where the lines intersect. In a close-up, you would position the eyes on this focal spot. Always position the subject off-center on the side of the grid where the subject is turning or facing an open space. If you have an auto-focus camera, you'll need to lock the focus to prevent the subject from being placed in the center of the viewfinder.

In summary, by moving your subject away from the center of the photo, you will bring the picture to life!  Here's our beagle Shiloh-checking out a squirrel on the deck outside:

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow for Tip #6!

Passionately scrapping,

DAY 4: TIP FOUR OF TEN TIPS TO TAKING BETTER PICTURES

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

Tip#4: USE ZOOM TO GET IN CLOSE!

As you frame the person in your viewfinder, you will notice things that you don't want in the picture. It's best to focus in on the person to avoid other distractions. This is when you want to use your camera's zoom feature. By zooming in, you bring the subject of your picture into focus and crop out what you don't need.

A close-up picture is one where the subject fills the picture area, so you can see more details of the person or object.  For most cameras, you should be about three feet from the person or object you are photographing. (If you're closer than this, your photo may turn out blurry.) 

Here's a close-up I took of Sidalcea flowers

Join me tomorrow for the fifth photo tip-Subject Placement and the Rule of Thirds! Thanks for visiting...

Passionately scrapping,

DAY 4: TIP FOUR OF TEN TIPS TO TAKING BETTER PICTURES

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

Tip#4: USE ZOOM TO GET IN CLOSE!

As you frame the person in your viewfinder, you will notice things that you don't want in the picture. It's best to focus in on the person to avoid other distractions. This is when you want to use your camera's zoom feature. By zooming in, you bring the subject of your picture into focus and crop out what you don't need.

A close-up picture is one where the subject fills the picture area, so you can see more details of the person or object.  For most cameras, you should be about three feet from the person or object you are photographing. (If you're closer than this, your photo may turn out blurry.) 

Here's a close-up I took of Sidalcea flowers

Join me tomorrow for the fifth photo tip-Subject Placement and the Rule of Thirds! Thanks for visiting...

Passionately scrapping,

DAY 3: TIP THREE OF TEN TIPS TO TAKING BETTER PICTURES

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

Tip#3: When Outdoors, Use Your Flash!

Ever take an outdoor picture and because of the sun, the face in your photo shows up in a dark shadow? Bright sun is the reason!  How can you avoid this? Use your flash on sunny days!

If you have a choice of fill-flash or full-flash mode, use the fill flash if your subject is closer than 5 feet or if it's a cloudy day; otherwise use the full-flash mode. If using a digital camera, check out the results with the picture display.

Why use the flash? It will eliminate the shadows caused by the sun and brighten up their  faces.

On an overcast day, you can also get away with taking a photo without the flash because the lighting is softer than on a sunny day. Give it a try!

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to return tomorrow for the photo tip #4!

Passionately scrapping,

Day 2: Tip Two of Ten Tips to Taking Better Pictures!

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

TIP #2: KEEP THE BACKGROUND SIMPLE!

Pay attention to not only the subject of your photo, but also the surroundings. What is in the background? Is there anything that can be distracting or take away from the subject? When you are looking through the viewfinder of your camera, if you see anything that will interfere with a good picture, have the subject move or try finding a different location that has a simple background.

In this photo, it looks like there are tree branches growing out of my head:

 

In this photo, by simply shifting in front of the Forsynthia bush, this makes for a better less distracting background:

Before you take a picture, be wary of what is in the background, and make adjustments before you click that button. 

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to return tomorrow for the next photo tip!

Passionately scrapping,

Day 1: Ten Tips to taking better pictures!

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come! Are you ready to learn your first tip?

TIP #1: MEET YOUR SUBJECT ON THEIR LEVEL!

Instead of taking a photo of your pet, your child or another subject while standing up, try getting down on the level of your subject with your camera, and meeting them eye-to-eye!  Direct eye contact will capture the true essence of the shot and will give the effect of actually being there with that subject at that precise moment! Simply kneel down so your camera is at eye-level, focus on your subject up-close, then wait for that captivating smile, laugh or other facial pose you want to capture and take the picture.

Other tips for photographing children come from Michael Crouser, who has produced two books about black and white photography. Young children will be much more cooperative when you allow them to be photographed in a natural setting for them, or in their favorite hero outfit! Always take photos of the older child first, and the younger one will want the attention as well, which means a better photo-with cooperation! Keep things as natural as possible-and that includes NOT having the subject say "cheese" which only produces a phony or exaggerated smile. Also try to take outdoor photos in the shade rather the sun, so the subject doesn't have to squint. For indoor photos, try to find alternatives for the direct flash. Wedding photographers avoid using it!

Pets can do funny things that we want to capture in a photo forever...I wish I could find the photo of my cat when she winks at me, but I'm not sure where that one is so here is one of Snickers, our four-year old Silky Terrier that I captured of bath time:

 

Had I taken this photo taken higher up it just would not have captured the look on his adorable little face! Don't you feel as if you can just reach out and touch Snickers? His expression is-priceless-and that's what I wanted to capture! This is a great photo to scrapbook...

Let's see what you can do with this tip-give it a try! I'd love to see some of your pictures so email them to me if you like...and I may feature some of them! Keep practicing taking eye-level pictures, focusing in on your subject-and keep the background simple (but more on that topic-tomorrow!).

Passionately scrapping,

Three days left to sign up for May Trendy Techniques classes...

It's that time again to sign up for Trendy Techniques classes being held NEXT WEEK! Last day to sign up is Monday May 10TH!

At each class you'll make:

(1) a Technique Page (6x6) with the rubber stamping technique done on the front and instructions on the back, and

(2) a matching card with envelope using the technique!

We make 3-4 Rubber Stamping Techniques each month depending on the difficulty of the techniques-some are more time-consuming than others. Within 6 months, (should you attend every month) you'll complete an album with 20 technique pages!

You can save $5 per class and 15% on an album when you purchase it when you register for your first class (which you can do now-online from this site!) and each class is only $15! The album is a 6x6 album (you select the color you want) and holds up to 20 Rubber Stamping techniques!

...Or, if you opt out of purchasing the album, you pay only $20 per class. Either way, you will go home with 3-4 of both the 6x6 technique instruction page/sample and an actual card/envelope per technique!

The fee for this class is increasing in July-BUT if you purchase your Stampin' Up! album from me in May or June, you'll pay the currently lower price until your album is completed-so join now to lock in the savings!

If you live in northern NJ, Eastern PA or Southern NY, Sussex County is not a long drive, so come and attend these classes in Hardyston NJ!

To find out when these rubber stamping classes and other classes such as Scrapbooking 101, Scrap nights, embellishments and Stamp-A-Stack card classes are being held, or to sign up and attend, click on the Calendar at the right or click HERE. For class location or if you have any questions, email me.

Are you interested in me offering other papercrafting classes? What specific classes would you be interested in? Please leave me a comment at the end of this post....

Have a great stamping day!

LAST DAY TO GET FIFTH AVENUE FLORAL FOR MOTHER'S DAY-AT 20% OFF!

Today is the LAST DAY to take advantage of the two-step into Spring special offered by Stampin' Up ONLY through April 30th!  This means great sets like Greenhouse Garden, Fifth Avenue Floral, Flower Fancy and Trendy Trees are only available at 20% off TODAY only...

I just showed you a card we're making with the Watercolor Trio set that will be available in the new 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog coming out in July...(and we're making it tonight at our April Stamp-A-Stack Card Camp!)

Here is another terrific card I created, that we're making at this camp which you can still purchase today at 20% off-it's called Fifth Avenue Floral:

 

Isn't this a beautiful card for a mom? It features the Fifth Avenue stamp set (on sale for 20% off-today only!),  the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder and Well Scripted stamp set (available in the Occasions Mini catalog, which ALSO expires after today), and various punches including the Eyelet Border, Oval Scallop and Wide Oval.

The rose has been watercolored with a really simple technique using ink refills-doesn't it look REAL??? It looks like it has just been plucked from the garden! The leaves have been made by slightly altering the Sizzlit Little Leaves Die...

The red Satin ribbon just finishes the card off beautifully, and the sentiment can be altered so this card can also be used for an anniversary, birthday or "thinking of you" card...

Lucky attendees at today's Stamp-A-Stack Card Camp will be making three of this card, along with three each of 3 other cards made with Two-Step sets that are all 20% off through April 30! (twelve cards in all!)

YOU CAN STILL PURCHASE THESE STAMP SETS AT 20% OFF by visiting my stamp store HERE

So-what do YOU think of this card? Please leave me a comment and let me know!  Doesn't it make you want to sign up for NEXT month's classes?  You don't want to miss these...we always make terrific stuff! My goal is to tap into the creativity within YOU! YES-YOU CAN make beautiful cards like these...just sign up for classes I offer and LEARN HOW!  Be sure to come back soon and check out the Calendar on the right side bar for upcoming classes!

Have a GREAT stampin' day!

Make 12 cards at upcoming Stamp-A-Stack Card Camp-still openings!

If you like making a lot of cards at one time, this is the camp to attend! EXTENDING registration for one more day! Sign up by 4/28 to attend on 4/30 or 5/1.... Here is one of the beautiful cards you will make using Watercolor Trio-a new stamp set sneak peek preview! 

This card is made using the Top Note Die and the Big Shot Die cut machine... for more info about the camp or to sign up click on the CALENDAR on the right sidebar of this blog. Get discount bonus towards future purchase for each friend you register too!

Remember, this offer ends at midnight on April 28! (Class is held in Hardyston NJ)

Recent Stamping Technique Classes I've Offered...

Do you love learning new techniques?  Isn't it exciting to try some cool new way of using products like brush markers, embossing inks and powders, and even common household products such as bleach or floor wax?  Become a kid again using Watercolor Crayons, or create masterpieces with the Brayer and some ink!

I recently started up my Trendy Techniques class again...here are some of the techniques we did in March & April:

MARCH TRENDY TECHNIQUES CLASS:

Moonlighting Technique:

 

This is another card I've made with this technique:

  Grid Technique 

Stained Glass Technique

APRIL TRENDY TECHNIQUES CLASS:

Crayon Resist Technique

 

Emboss Resist

 

Dazzling Diamonds Dust Technique

 

These are some of the color variations of this technique I came up with while playing around with different colors for this 2 step stamping set, Flower Fancy:

Almost Amethyst & Lovely Lilac, Barely Banana & So Saffron; Orchid Opulence & Lovely Lilac, YoYo Yellow & Summer Sun:

Pretty in Pink & Regal Rose, and Barely Banana & So Saffron, Lovely Lilac & Orchid Opulence

 

Brilliant Blue & Bashful Blue, and Apricot Appeal & Pumpkin Pie

If you enjoy learning new Techniques, I offer several classes each month, usually on the 2nd Tuesday (day class) and Wednesday (evening class).

I'll post soon what the techniques for May will be...so be sure to come and check it out! Classes will also be posted on the Calendar (right side bar) on my blog A Passion for Stamps, and in Events for my Stampin' Up! website as well.

I'd like to hear what you think of these cards...these techniques are so much fun!  Please leave me a comment...which one of these do you like the most, and why?

HAVE A GREAT STAMPIN' DAY!

a PASSION for stamps

Welcome to my little stamping corner of the world... I became a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator because I have had a passion for the art of rubber stamping ever since I discovered it in 1989, when I first embossed and used stamps to make invitations for my son's first birthday party! I've always made cards-even as a young child. I love to experiment with the endless ways to create with rubber stamps and appreciate the versatility of this fun craft.  I was thrilled to join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator in 1996 and am so fortunate to love what I do and do what I love-because this has been my fun "job" ever since!  I invite you to peruse the artwork on this site, sign up to receive Customer Newsletter updates from me, check out the Calendar for monthly classes I offer, and visit my "other" Stampin' Up! website for information about various stamping and scrapbooking events, happenings and opportunities!  You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more ideas!  Sharing my passion for stamping,



 

Come join the FUN at 5 Minutes for Mom's 2010 Ultimate Blog Party!

Hi there! Are you a mom? Looking for some fun? Then listen up! 

I've been a fan of 5minutesformom.com for a few years now. (I even have a link for the site on the right sidebar under "Other Sites I visit").  It's a wonderful site that I know you will find very helpful too!  ( I just wish I had access to such a site when my kids were little!) But it still is a wonderful site-even when your kids grow up! 

I'm finding out about this towards the end of this event, but IT'S NOT TOO LATE...to tell you about the 2010 ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY Susan & Janice are having over there at 5 Minutes For Mom's--through 11:59 EST April 16th! It's all about meeting people!  It's a wonderful way to meet lots of other moms, and entrepreneurs by checking out other blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter Tweets! If you have a blog, you can add it to their list as well! Plus, there are entries for the fabulous prizes you can win too!

If you are new to my site, I am a mom with 2 kids- a 21 year old son who is in the USCG, and a 17 year old daughter who is a junior in High School.  My husband Tom also have 2 dogs-1 ten-year old beagle named Shiloh, a five year old Silky Terrier named Snickers, and one 14 year old Calico cat named Patches.

I have my own rubber stamping business and am an Independent Demonstrator/Creative Coach! I love what I do-which is to teach folks how to create awesome greeting cards, papercrafts, scrapbooks and even home decor using stamps, papers and accessories offered in a catalog put out annually by a 20 year old company called Stampin' Up! based in Utah.  I've been demo for over 14 years, and started when my son was 7 and my daughter was 3. I love having my own business-it has enabled me to be able to raise our children and still earn an income! I do home parties, birthday parties (on occasion), classes and other events from my home studio located in Sussex County, NJ. Feel free to browse my blog, check out free projects, and also see what classes are coming up!

You can check out various catalogs, and if you see something you want you can even place an order 24/7 if you want-in your PJ's! Please email me if you have any questions at all about my site ! Don't forget to become a fan of A Passion for Stamps on Facebook and follow me on Twitter too! (links on left) for lots of creative ideas! Thanks for stopping by!

Come and join the Blog Party-there's still plenty of time!  Just click on the banner at the top of this post! I'm ready to PARTY! How about you?

Please leave me a comment to this post to be entered into a drawing for Blog candy! Tell me what you think of this blog, and what you think of the Ultimate Blog Party! You have until April 30th to respond! The drawing will be on May 1st, and the winner will receive a packet of stamping gifts from me!

I'd love to hear from you!

HAPPY PARTYING!

Here's my Easter Card-Easter Blessings to you!

I'm sorry to post this so late in the day on Easter Sunday, but we were up early, went to church, drove to my mom's, went to dinner and just got home a short while ago! The day isn't over yet, though-so I wanted to start the week off with a blog post-what better way to do that than to show you my Easter Card: (click on image for larger view)

 

I love the Abundant Hope stamp set in the Occasions Mini Catalog...Daffodils are one of my favorite Spring flowers and pink is different, isn't it? I watercolored the image on watercolor paper with ink refills and an Aqua Painter, then layered it onto other colored cardstocks.  I colored Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware for the pretty double ribbon embellishment on the left.  I featured this technique in my March Customer Newsletter!

If you haven't joined my newsletter which I send out to my (CUSTOMER) email list every month, you are missing out on alot of great information:, techniques, scrapbooking ideas, specials, Customer Q&A, etc.

My April newsletter will be going out sometime mid-week-so if you want to receive a copy, look on the left side bar for:

Newsletter with specials, classes, and news!

then enter your email address to join my (CUSTOMER) email list! 

If you would like to order this stamp set (available only through April 30) or any other products, you can place an online order any time 24/7 by going HERE then click on the SHOP NOW link!

BECOME A FAN of A Passion for Stamps! Click on my Facebook link on the left sidebar for exclusive offers, contests and lots more creative sharing!

Do you enjoy scenery cards like this? I just love doing landscapes...so I've decided I will be offering some classes in the upcoming months to teach you how to make stunning landscapes and realistic flowers too!

Enjoy this beautiful day, gorgeous weather!

Happy Easter to all!

Got away on Saturday with other stamping downline!

I'm so lucky to have been able to meet up with one of my downline and her sister, with a group of Split Coast Stampers in Poughkeepsie NY this past Saturday for a shoe box swap! We had a great day stamping, swapping, and learning new things! A shoebox swap is when we each make a card and then prepare pre-cut supplies and products for everyone else to make our project-then at the event, we all make everyone elses projects! So much fun!  I came home with over twenty projects, several make and takes, and a pretty swirled punch I received in a gift swap! What a great day of stamping!

Here is my shoe box project I shared with everyone:

I used the Tea Party Designer Series paper with the new Scallop Trim Border Punch (one of the FREE Sale-A-Bration products you can get with any $50 order-but only for one more day! This special is good through March 31 only!)

The Leaves & Stem is from the Sweetheart Set (#120780) (both the Sweetheart Set and the Heart Treat Cups ( (#120435)) are both available for order through July and will also be in the new Idea Book & Catalog when it comes out). I used Always Artichoke ink and Green Galore Card Stock (#105219) on (#101768).

The greeting is from Sincere Salutations set (#115068).

The floral embellishment is three deep-Melon Mambo (#115320), Barely BananaPumpkin Pie (#102701) and (#105117) Card Stock, all punched with the Scallop punch, then I cut each flower section on all three parts using the Paper Snips (#103579).I used Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430) to pop the flower up off the card..

Here is a close-up view of the flower from a different angle:

I alternately layered the three different colored scalloped flowers and slightly bent them upward before punching a hole with the 1/16" Circle punch and inserting a pink Corduroy brad (#117681) from the Occasion Mini Catalog (good through April 30) in the center.

If you would like to purchase any of the products to make this card, visit my online store then click on the SHOP NOW button under my contact information!  If you have any questions, please email me.

Isn't this the sweetest spring card? It would certainly lift someone's spirits...and you can make it in no time! What do you think of it? Do you think you would make this card for someone who isn't feeling well?

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back and visit again tomorrow!

Don't miss out on new class for spring: Trendy Techniques!

Spring forward with your stamping expertise by adding an all new Trendy Techniques Class to your calendar! If are curious to learn some of the techniques you've seen in magazines or elsewhere, here is the class* where you can learn them! I have two options for you to choose from!

TRENDY TECHNIQUES CLASS is coming!

Wednesday March 31 (TWO SESSIONS): 12-2PM OR 7-9 PM 

LAST DAY TO REGISTER, & PRE-PAY TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT IS Sunday March 28! 

Option 1: Treat yourself to a few hours each month at this fun class where you will learn at least three new techniques, while making your projects AND you will also be making the instruction sample for your own Trendy Techniques Book!  (This Option saves you $5 at every class!)

Option 2: You can just make the projects (no technique book) if you aren't interested in building your own reference library of techniques!

REFFERAL INCENTIVE:

a) For each friend (that I don't know) that you initially sign up for class you will receive a $1 STAMP PASSION BUCK (a credit you can use towards a future purchase when you accumulate $10 worth!)

b) If that same friend places a net order of at least $25 at that class, you will receive an additional $1 STAMP PASSION BUCK! 

For specific details regarding each option and/or to sign up click HERE. Don't forget the deadline to RSVP is 3/28!

Hope to see you at class!

*class is held at stamp studio in Hardyston NJ

Come stamp at Spring Stamp-A-Stack Card Camp!

Note to readers: I have not been able to keep up with posting the past few weeks, since my mother became very ill and was hospitalized on and off. I've been tending to her responsibilities during her illness and taking care of her and my aunt who is in a retirement home. As long as she continues to improve, I am hopeful that I'll be able to resume my posts again on a more regular basis.

Tuesday March 16 is the last day to sign up for the upcoming Spring Stamp-A-Stack Card Camp this Friday and Saturday at the Stamp Studio, Hardyston, NJ! Come and make 12 cards!

Also, the Trendy Techniques Class that was to have started  on March 10 has been postponed and is now taking place on Wednesday March 31-morning and evening sessions available! The last day to sign up for this class is March 28. Learn 3-4 techniques every month, while building your own sample book of techniques too!

I haven't been able to update my Stampin' Up! website Events Page, but you can view and sign up for my remaining upcoming classes for March here from this blog. You can see more details about both of these classes, as well as RSVP and prepay by clicking on the Calendar on the right side bar of this blog. I hope to see you there to WELCOME SPRING!

 

Have a great stampin' day!

Lions, punches and BUNNIES-OH MY!

Well, I'm gearing up for my punches class this weekend...just returned from a great weekend on Long Island with my dad, followed by some fun with Jan and other demonstrators on my S.O.S. Team in Connecticut. We had a great time-stamping, sharing, eating, laughing and just plain old fun with the girl's at Jan's Rubber Room! This was the first time I got to see her new stamp room, which is just amazing!

Jan and I both had projects planned for everyone to make. Mine was a Stand-up Bunny Card inspired by Jackie Topa that is just so cute, and Jan's was a Bunny Top Note Treat Box filled with grass and jelly beans-made with the Top Note die! If you come to Punch Art Card Class you will make them, but TODAY is the last day to sign up, which you can do by clicking on the CALENDAR on the  right sidebar. Here they are:

      

Heather decided to make her bunny into a WALRUS!:                                                   Isn't this creative?

Another Punch Art Card Class project is this adorable LION M&M                                  card made with the Heart Treat Cups:

(and you don't have to rip the card open to get the candy out!)

Aren't they all adorable? At class you will learn how to make                                      these cuties and a few more other punch cards! Remember                                           to register for Punch Art Card Class today!

Have a great stampin' day!

Sign up for PUNCH ART Card Class! & Heart Treat Cups offer is extended!

I'm so happy to let you know that Stampin' Up! is making the Heart Treat Cups AND the Sweetheart stamp set available THROUGH JULY and BOTH will be offered in the new Idea Book & Catalog! The catch is, the Heart Treat Cups will continue to be available now, ONLY while supplies last  through July, so if you need a bunch before then for a spring or early summer occasion, better order them now, before they run out! 

If you haven't purchased the Heart Treat Cups, you don't know what you are missing!  Go HERE to see what they are.

The Heart Treat Cups were so popular and it's no wonder why- they were wonderful additions to cards and projects for Valentine's Day, but their usefulness certainly does not end there!

Think of the possibilities! These heart shaped plastic cups can be filled almost anything imaginable (that is small of course) for ANY occasion! Have an anniversary coming up? What a great way to say "you'll always be in my heart" and fill it will red hots, heart shaped candies etc. It's great for gifts too...not just cards-for occasions such as weddings, engagements, birthdays for children, and more! You will also need to order the Large Heart Punch too to make your projects. Remember, until March 31, any orders you place that are $50 or more qualify you for a FREE choice of any product or stamp set in the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Catalog...a bonus you will ONLY receive until March 31, 2010!

One of the cards we will be making at our Punch Art Card Classes coming up IN A WEEK in Sussex County NJ  is made with the Heart Treat Cup-and it's just adorable...it's a LION! When you send these cards, they will MAKE A STATEMENT! and will be remembered for a long time to come!

Please join us at our Punch Art Card Classes being offered on 2/26 7-9 and 2/27 10-12 for only $18! We will be making a bunch of cards which will utilize punches to make clever cards that are VERY popular!  You will absolutely LOVE the cards you will go home with...for more details and to pay right now, just click on the Calendar on the right side bar! But HURRY! Last day to register is FEBRUARY 23!

Hope to see you there!

Stampingly yours,

A Big Shot Project-Candle Gift for a Friend!

I'm so excited because this weekend, I'm going to visit my dad on Saturday who lives at my brother's house on Long Island NY  (my dad had a stroke right before Thanksgiving and I couldn't see him till now). I haven't seen him since May, when we went to Manhattan for our new nephew's baptism.  

On Sunday I'm going to catch the Ferry at Orient Point to New London, CT then drive to Pawcatuck to visit Jan Eno, a dear friend and one of my directs in my Stampin' Up! downline-and I look forward to visiting with some of the girls in her downline and stamping with them this weekend!! I will be staying at Jan's until Monday, and I wanted to make her a thank you gift for her hospitality; so I decorated this candle using the Fabric Floral Embellishment I made with the Big Shot in my previous post:

Here's a photo of the back:

and a close-up:

It just so happened that the colors of the fabric matched up perfectly with our Polka-dot IN color ribbons, and the buttons and rhinestone brads coordinated as well! I embossed the saying on tissue paper, wrapped wax paper around it then heat embossed the words onto the candle.

Because of the fabric, this candle cannot be lit as it is. Before I attached the embellishments, I lit the candle and let it melt down a bit in the center. Then I inserted the Tea Light candle into the melted wax. Now the candle can be lit because the flame will stay in the middle, and the candle is protected by the metal tea light holder! When it burns out, it's replaceable!  Here is a photo from the top, so you can see how it looks when it's done:

To make this candle, I used all Stampin' Up! products:

STAMPS: Spring Song saying (115074) $15.95

INK: Taken with Teal Craft Pad (100617) $7.50

PAPER: none

ACCESSORIES: Stampin' Up! Flower Folds die (115970) $42.95 on page 201 of the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog; Summer Sun Corduroy Buttons (114343) $9.95; Circle Ice Turquoise Rhinestone Brads (109111) $10.95; Crushed Curry (115614) and Bermuda Bay (115610) 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbons $9.95;Sticky Strip (104294) $6.95; Extended Cutting Pads (113478) $19.95; Big Shot Die-Cut machine (113439) $99.95; Clear Embossing Powder (109130) $4.75; Heat Tool (100005) $29.95

Non-SU: about 1/4 yard coordinating fabrics (3-4 assorted); White Pillar Candle and base; Tea Light Candle

You can purchase these products ONLINE to make this candle right now from my website stampwithdeb.stampinup.net, and you will also qualify for several FREE Sale-A-Bration products! So what are you waiting for? Be a Big Shot with Fabric too! Or, sign up now for my next Big Shot class in March and make this candle, and more fabric projects with the Big Shot! I can't wait to show you!

I hope you've enjoyed this project-thanks for stopping by!

Stampingly yours,

Be a BIG SHOT with FABRIC!

This beautiful 3-D Fabric Flower is just one of the items we will be making at our Be a BIG SHOT with FABRIC class this Friday! Didn't sign up in time? The same class will be offered again on Sunday March 7 from 1-3:30. (To sign up for this and my other upcoming classes, click on the calendar on the right sidebar.)

I'm so excited about using fabric materials with the Big Shot! I am not a seamstress, and really try to stay away from sewing if I can, because it's not my favorite hobby! That's why I'm in love with the Big Shot machine! It can be used with 50 other materials as well! I always provide new Big Shot class attendees with this handout, so they can go home and try them out with their Big Shot machine.

What's great is you can make this flower in ten minutes! It's fun and it's easy! So what do you do with these flowers?  Attach a pin back and add to a coat, purse, headband or use it as an  embellishment for anything-a card, a scrap book cover, a belt and so on...there are many uses for these flowers! These floral flowers are all the rage in the fashion world right now, and they are very pricey ranging from $15-$50 each at fancy boutiques! But now you can learn how to make them at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay elsewhere!

To order, go to my website stampwithdeb.stampinup.net or send an email to deb@debbiestamps.com 

National Salute of 21 guns for Presidents Day

Courage Tile: I make these tiles and sell them individually or in sets of 4.  I also sell them at Craft Fairs. This is made with the Courage Set (115330 $19.95) found on page 67 of the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. It's a two stamp set; in addition to this stamp there is a word stamp that reads "Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities, because it is the quality that guarantees all others.-Winston Churchill" It's a great set! If you are interested in purchasing this stamp set, you can order it from my website www.stampwithdeb.stampinup.net. If you are interested in purchasing the tiles, and/or the coordinating stamped box that holds four of them, email deb@debbiestamps.com for more information.

Today is Presidents Day.  Our son is in the United State Coast Guard, so we receive Coast Guard feed updates.

It's interesting to learn that Coast Guard members on Coast Guard Island (CA) will fire the national salute of 21 guns today at noon in honor of Presidents Day.  The salute takes about a minute and 45 seconds to complete.  The Coast Guard warns surrounding communities that there will be loud noise produced by the blank rounds when fired.

This is a time honored naval tradition which dates back centuries, when it was customary for a ship entering a friendly port to discharge its cannon to demonstrate that they were unloaded.

The following information is provided by the United States Navy with the issuance of new regulations on 24 May 1842. Those regulations laid out the specifics:

"When the President of the United States shall visit a vessel of the navy, he shall be received with the following honors: The yards shall be manned, all the officers shall be on deck in full uniform, the full guard shall be paraded and present arms, the music shall play a march, and a salute of twenty-one guns shall be fired. He shall receive the same honors when he leaves the ship."
"Upon the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, the colors shall be hoisted at sunrise, and all the vessels of the navy shall, when in port, be dressed, and so continue until the colors are hauled down at sunset, if the state of the weather and other circumstances will allow it. At sunrise, at meridian, and at sunset, a salute of twenty-one guns shall be fired from every vessel in commission mounting six guns and upwards."
"On the twenty-second day of February, the anniversary of the birth of Washington, a salute of twenty-one guns shall be fired at meridian from every vessel of the navy in commission mounting six guns and upwards."

To read more go to: http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq40-1.htm

Other occasions when the salute is fired are in honor of the national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the President, ex-President, and President-elect of the United States. It is also fired at noon of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect, on Washington’s Birthday, and the Fourth of July.

It's nice to know the history behind the traditions of our armed forces especially how it relates to Presidents Day. Have a nice day!

Versamark-CLEARLY the answer!

Have you ever found yourself in a predicament when you started a stamp project such as making a card, then you realize you don't have the right color Ink Pad? You have a picture in your mind of the tone-on-tone look you want for your card (ink that is just a shade or two darker than the cardstock you are using) but without that color Ink Pad, what will you do now?  (Not EVERYONE has all 48 colors of Stampin' Up! inks in their stash!) So...you have a dilemma. Do you start the card over using a different color cardstock, and change things up a bit based on an Ink Pad color you already do have? Now you have to start over, and you really need this card in a hurry!

You don't have to get caught off guard like this again! There is a simple solution to this problem so NEXT time, you aren't stuck without the right Ink Pad color. Yes, you COULD order all the other Classic Stampin' Up! Ink Pads you don't have (or whatever brand of ink you are using) but you'll be happy to learn that you don't have to do that-unless you really want to-I won't stop you!

There IS another solution to this problem...and one pad will always come to your rescue-VersaMark is CLEARLY the answer! Why is this one pad the solution to your problem? Because  VersaMark Ink is a watermark ink...a CLEAR ink, which when stamped on colored cardstock, will give the effect of a darker shade of the same color-(tone-on-tone) like a watermark! So if you purchase this one ink pad, you will be able to have a darker shade of every colored cardstock paper you own!

(yes, mine is WELL used and loved)

But there is something else I want to make perfectly clear-the VersaMark Pad isn't solely a watermark pad, it's an embossing pad too!  There are so many things you can do with a VersaMark pad, that I'm going to teach a class on it!

Be on the lookout for this Trendy Techniques Class coming up in March and be sure you sign up for it! (The Calendar on the right will be updated shortly). You will learn some of the techniques you can do with a VersaMark Ink Pad, such as Clear Embossing, Color Embossing, Tone-on-Tone, Poppin' Pastels, etc.! You will want to have your own VersaMark ink pad for this class, so if you want to order one yourself, you can do so from my online store- www.stampwithdeb.stampinup.com anytime, 24/7-or email deb@debbiestamps.com if you would like me to order it for you-and I'll send you a PayPal invoice.

Ordering Information:

102283 VersaMark Pad  $7.50

Other similar products you may want to purchase:

102193 VersaMark Pad Refill (1/2 oz) $3.95                                                                100901 VersaMarker (for coloring in) $3.25 

Embossing Powders: See page 190 of the Stampin' Up! Catalog 

CLEARLY, this will be one of the best little pad investments you will ever make!

How can I decorate my walls without damaging them?

Have you ever wondered if there is an easy way to decorate your walls? I have the perfect solution for you!

Stampin' Up! has several wonderful products, one of which is called Decor Elements! It's a vinyl wall art that provides a way to decorate your walls (and most hard surfaces) quickly, yet is easy to remove when you want to change it!

We have a living room with a cathedral ceiling.. and for almost 10 years, I was trying to figure out how to decorate a cathedral ceiling, and could never make up my mind, so it has remained blank all this time.

When Stampin' Up! came out with their Decor Elements Collection and I saw Tree, Thoughts & Prayers Design, available in 3 sizes up to 52 inches wide and in two colors, I realized THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! I totally loved the sample shown in their Fall-Winter 2009 Definitely Decorative brochure, which added lovely doves coming out of the tree with the saying "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams." by Henry David Thoreau. So-after 9 years of undecision, I finally had a plan for our living room wall!

Here is what it looks like after the images were applied: (click on image for larger view)

I plan to add an oval mirror between the two photos under the tree-or I may move our TV/ Curio Cabinet under this-so I placed the Decor Elements design high enough to accomodate either choice. Here is a close-up of the image after applied to the wall:

 

Although my photograph appears crooked,

the design is perfectly straight on the wall!

   

So just WHAT ARE Decor Elements? It's Stampin' Up!'s designs, and colors in various sizes of the latest craze in home decor! This product enables you to add a seasonal creation to your home walls very quickly!

Stampin' Up! also offers Decor Stencils too, for those more artistic who want to be able to select their own colors, and want to add creative shading. This takes a bit longer to achieve then simply using Decor Elements but enables those who are more creative to come up individual styles that suit their tastes.

If you are not confident you can do this, start with something small and simple-maybe applying a Decor Element to a decorative jar, lamp, candle or even your laptop!  Then, as you acquire more confidence and skill move on to bigger projects. 

Whichever product you choose to try, you are sure to love the variety of designs and colors Stampin' Up! offers.

Did you know if you have any type of Stampin' Up! party or place orders of $150 or more, you can also select a hostess item from Level One of the Decor Elements brochure? There are actually three additional levels of hostess gifts available to you from this brochure, in addition to the Idea Book & Catalog and the Occasions Mini Catalog! Then you are also entitled to at least $15 in other catalog product for free!

Right now, during Sale-A-Bration (until March 31, 2010), you and your friends are also entitled to a free stamp set or product from our Sale-A-Bration catalog too, for every $50 you spend!

If you are unsure how to use a product, how our hostess plan works, or how to qualify for FREE Sale-A-Bration products please feel free to contact me! I will be happy to go over the different types of in-home parties I offer-which I can also do from my home stamp studio.

You can view our Decor Elements Brochure and our NEW additional insert on the right sidebar of this blog, or contact me if you would like to see one in person.

I love decorating with all these latest options! I know you will just love all the designs and colors available in our newest additions to our Decor elements brochure. Ask me about it!

Stampingly yours,