Inkredible Stamping with Julie

Bow Tutorial - Q&A

Bow Tutorial

	Q&A Q: What is your favorite ribbon bow technique? A: Well, I’d like to say it’s a natural ability, but that wouldn’t be true! I’ve learned how to make a bunch of great bows through resources from Stampin’ Up! and my fellow demonstrators. Here are 5 of my favorite bows as well as tips for making them. 1. Two Colored Double Bow: Layer two 18” ribbons. Layer ribbons then tie a standard bow. Before pulling the bow loops to tighten the bow, take a moment to twist the ribbon ends so they lay straight. Pull bow loops to tighten, then fan the inside bow loops out from behind the top loops. 2. Elegant Bow: Lay a 5” piece of ribbon out flat. Add a dab of SNAIL to center of ribbon. Fold in right end and adhere to center. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of ribbon end. Fold in left end and adhere to center. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of ribbon end. Place one end of 2” ribbon over center of ribbon, creating a “T” shape. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of 2” ribbon end over folded ribbon. Wrap 2” ribbon around folded ribbon until it overlaps and adheres to itself. Pull ribbon snug so it is flat, but not so tight it causes the folded ribbon to gather. Trim off excess ribbon. Press bow flat or push the ends gently to puff it up a bit. Add to card or layer on top of a ribbon strip. 3. Perfect Double Bow: Select a brad and spread prongs out flat. Begin with 18” ribbon. Use a ruler or estimate the lengths. Fold ribbon 3” from end with 3” section on top. Hold finger over folded layers 1” from fold with loop to left. Fold long end towards your finger to create 1” loop on right. Keep finger over center to hold layers in place. Fold long end back to center to make 1-1/2” loop on left. Fold ribbon back to center again creating 1-1/2” loop to right. Pinch ribbon at center and pick up layers. Set layered ribbon on brad with opened prongs. Fold prongs over ribbon and press flat. Trim ends. 4. Hole Bow: Punch a hole in card stock with 1/8” or 1/4” punch. Thread both ends of a 22” long ribbon up through hole from bottom. Slide ribbon loop around card stock and tighten by pulling ends. Keep ribbon ends the same length. Split ribbon ends so one comes out above ribbon and one comes out below. Make sure ribbon isn’t twisted. Tie a basic bow. Fluff and adjust bow as needed and then trim ribbon ends. 5. Fork Bow: Begin with a standard dinner fork with four tines and a 10” piece of ribbon. Place ribbon across front of fork with 1/3” of ribbon to left of the fork. This end will stay stationary. Wrap right end of the ribbon around behind the fork, around left edge, over the top of the first end. Thread end down through space between the center fork tines below where the first ribbon crosses. Pull ribbon up behind the fork and through the space between center fork tines. Knot the two ribbon ends firmly. Slide ribbon from fork and trim ends. Go Bow Crazy Have fun practicing and experimenting with these bows and different types of ribbon. Pretty soon your friends will be asking you how your bows always look so great! We have a number of ribbons retiring this month. Make sure to order your favourites before they are gone!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

How do I get the best deals out of Sale-A-Bration? - Q&A

Sale-A-Brations

	Q&A Q: How do I get the best deals out of Sale-A-Bration? A: Sale-A-Bration is all about great deals and rewards. You can get wonderful rewards by shopping, hosting, and joining Stampin’ Up! Which is the best deal? That all depends on what you are looking for! Shop During Sale-A-Bration, you get extra rewards just for purchasing the great Stampin’ Up! products you already love! For each $50 of merchandise you purchase, you get to pick a reward item. Spend $100, and you get to select two reward items. Spend $150, and you’ve made your own party! You’ll get 3 rewards plus additional hostess rewards. See the Host section for those details. Many customers stock up on essentials like card stock, adhesives, and embellishments during Sale-A-Bration to take advantage of the extra goodies they can get only during Sale-A-Bration! Rewards include exclusive products like: stamp sets, ribbon & button bundles, Designer Series Paper, a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, and a Simply Sent Card Kit, as well as a sneak peek at a new punch and an assortment of goodies from the Annual Catalog! Host Get your girlfriends together for a social night of fun and creativity. You bring your friends and I’ll bring the creative projects you all will love to do together! Your friends all get the extra Sale-A-Bration rewards when they shop and place a qualifying order. You get a fun night with your friends, Sale-A-Bration rewards on your qualifying purchases, and additional Hostess Rewards for qualifying parties. With a $150 party, you’ll receive: • The traditional $25 Hostess Shopping Dollars to spend as you like • Silver Glimmer Paper as a special Sale-A-Bration reward to celebrate Stampin’ Up!’s Silver Anniversary! With a $400 party, you’ll receive: • The traditional $65 Hostess Shopping Dollars to spend as you like • 50% off any full-priced item • Silver Glimmer Paper to celebrate 25 years of Stampin’ Up! • Free Sale-A-Bration Product Bundle (includes stamp set, buttons, ribbon & Designer Series Paper) Join I think the best deal of all is joining Stampin’ Up! Why? • You get to become part of the fun! • You can make a difference in your life and the lives of other women by sharing Stampin’ Up! • You receive a 20% discount on all products! • You’ll have exclusive access to Stampin’ Up!’s creative and business resources. • You’ll be among the first to see and play with new products. • You can earn money to pay a bill or replace an income, depending on your goals. It’s always a great time to join Stampin’ Up! The Starter Kit is a unheard of deal at only $99 and includes $125 worth of products of your choice plus business supplies. During Sale-A-Bration, you’ll get an even sweeter deal: • All the fantastic benefits as usual, plus • 25% more in your starter kit! ($156.50 worth of products for just $99) Your Best Deal So what’s your best deal? Contact me today and I’ll be happy to help you put together your very best Sale-A-Bration deal! I just love getting to give out extra rewards as part of my job!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Chalkboard Technique - Q&A

Chalkboard Technique

	Q&A Q:  I love seeing new techniques used for stamping. Can you tell me more about the Chalkboard technique? A:  You hit right on a very popular trend in the papercrafting world! The Chalkboard or Faux Chalk Art technique is a fun twist on the basic resist technique. It creates the vintage look of old chalkboards, chalkboard art, and advertising.  Here’s how you can create the Chalkboard Technique... Supplies:        Card Stock:  Basic Black (or use Garden Green or Not Quite Navy for the look of old green and blue chalkboards)      Ink:  VersaMark, Whisper White Craft ink, ink matching the color of your card stock      Other:  Heat Tool, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Embossing Buddy, Watercolor Pencils (White Pencil), Stamping Sponges, ruler (clear is best) Step 1:  Rub card stock with Embossing Buddy. Stamp images with VersaMark ink. Heat emboss with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder. (Try stamps such as: Amazing Family (#129189 wood, #129192 clear) pg. 7 of Spring Catalog or Forever with You (#126725 wood, #126727 clear) pg. 132 of Annual Catalog. Step 2:  Sponge edges of card stock with matching color to create contrast. Wipe off excess ink with tissue.  Lightly sponge around embossed images and in blank areas with Whisper White Craft ink. Sponge some areas darker and some lighter to create the look of chalk dust. Step 3:  Use a ruler or freehand draw lines through or above and below stamped images with the White Watercolor Pencil. Draw a border 1/4" from each edge of the card stock with the White Watercolor Pencil to create a frame around the chalkboard. Remember this is all “chalk” drawing on a board so being perfectly neat isn’t necessary! OPTIONAL:  If desired go back and shadow stamp over embossed images with Whisper White Craft ink. By stamping over, but slightly off center of the original image you create a blurred shadow effect. Allow craft ink to dry. Step 4:  Embellish with vintage items such as bits of Doily, ribbon, Delicate Details Lace Tape (#130966), Paper Doilies (#129399), Linen Thread (#104199), Baker’s Twine, buttons, or pieces from the Artisan Embellishments Kit (#129328).
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

 

Don't forget to hop over to Create with Connie and Mary today to check out the free tutorial by Melissa then visit her Blog Rubberfunatics and enter her Blog Candy contest!!

Making Paper Ornaments - Q&A

Making Paper Ornaments

	Q&A Q: I’ve seen some great paper ornaments lately. I’d like to make some, but don’t know how! A: Paper ornaments are a hot trend this holiday season. Beyond decorating trees, they are being used as décor items around the home, as accents on wrapped gifts, and as fun, family projects. Of course, there are so many different ornaments to choose from. Luckily, I have a couple of gorgeous, and easy, ones to share. I got these ideas from Stampin’ Success, a magazine that demonstrators receive free from Stampin’ Up! It’s one of the great perks of being a demo! Here are instructions for Paper Bulb Ornaments and Glitter Snowflake Ornaments. Enjoy! Paper Bulb Ornament: • Ornaments are made up of 9 strips of paper that are 1” wide. The center strip is 8” long. Each curved layer is 1” longer. Make the ornament strips from plain or stamped card stock or from a selection of your favorite Designer Series Paper. You’ll need strips in the following sizes:      1    1” x 8” strip for the center      2    1” x 9” strips      2    1” x 10” strips      2    1” x 11” strips      2    1” x 12” strips • Pierce holes centered in the end of each strip, about 1/4” from the end, using the Paper-Piercing Tool (#126189) and Stampin’ Pierce Mat (#126199). • Layer the strips so the top ends are even and so they are stacked in this order: 12”, 11”, 10”, 9”, 8”, 9”, 10”, 11”, 12”. • Place a Silver 1/8” Mini Brad (#122941) through the pierced holes. Spread prong to close brad and hold layers together. • Thread the holes at the bottom of the strips through a Silver Mini Brad causing the longer layers to curve out. • Thread a piece of Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) through the center of the ornament and slip it up between the strips so it wraps around the Mini Brad. Knot thread around the brad to hold in place and then create a loop to hang the ornament. • Optional: Cover brads with buttons, Pearl or Rhinestone Jewels, or ribbon. • Make ornaments of different sizes by starting with a shorter 8" x 3/4" center strip and adding 1/2” for each layer from the center. Glitter Snowflake Ornament: This super-fast ornament can be made two ways. My Digital Studio: • This option allows you to make snowflakes in any size you wish. Use the Snowflake Punch in My Digital Studio. Size Snowflake Punch as large as you want. • Print to create a template. Cut out template. • Trace onto the back of Glimmer Paper (available in Silver, Red, and Champaign). • Cut out by hand. • Create ornament from a single snowflake or sandwich 2 snowflakes back-to-back so both sides are finished. For a 3-D ornament, score 3 snowflakes in half, fold, and adhere backs together. • Use Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) to hang ornament. Big Shot: • This option is faster since it doesn’t require cutting snowflakes by hand, but it only makes 3 ornament sizes. Die cut Glimmer Paper using Snow Flurry Bigz Die and the Big Shot. • Create ornament from one or two layers, or make a 3-D ornament as described above. Ornamental Elegance Kit Last but not least, Stampin' Up! has produced a kit you can order online, while supplies last, of the ornament that graces the cover of our Holiday Catalog. The kit, which you can purchase online at my store (item #132832), includes all the supplies you need to makes 10 heirloom ornaments for only $14.95.  Enjoy making these fun, paper ornaments to give as gifts, to add to wrapped gifts, and to decorate your home. It’s a great project to do with the kids and makes thoughtful and affordable gifts for teachers that kids will be proud to say they helped with. Or make the ornaments with the kids over winter break. It will keep them occupied with something fun, productive, and affordable, plus you’ll have lots of ornaments to give as well as use for decoration!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

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Stampin' Up! Single Stamps - Q&A

Stampin' Up! Single Stamps

	Q&A Q: I’ve heard that Stampin’ Up! is offering single stamps, is that true? A: Yes! Customers and demonstrators around the world voted and the result was a trial release of a few favorite Stampin’ Up! stamps as single stamps! Here’s the scoop on single stamps: Why Single Stamps: Sometimes there is just one stamp in a set we use over and over again. Now you can easily sample a few stamps from a variety of stamp sets. Plus, these single stamps make great gifts for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, teens – you get the idea – everyone! Now that’s a stocking stuffer I’d love to have in my stocking! Wouldn’t you? What Stamps: • Your choice of individual stamps from the Word Play, Seasonal Sayings, and Perfectly Penned stamp sets • 7 select images from a variety of popular stamp sets • 3 never before seen special release individual stamp images Single Stamp Details: • Clear-mount only, no wood-mount option • Clear Blocks are not included, but the recommended block size is listed with the stamp on the flyer • Single Stamps are packages individually in cellophane bags. Clear-Mount Stamp Cases (#119105) for storing your collection of single stamps can be purchased separately Single Stamps are a pilot program, so contact me today to order your favorite single stamp images while they are available! Don’t forget to make your list and check it twice – single stamps will be a favorite gift!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! Holiday Ornament - Q&A

Stampin' Up! Holiday Ornament

	Q&A Q: I love the ornament featured on the front of the Holiday catalog. How do I make it? A: That ornament is all the rage in the stampin’ world! This month, you can receive the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with our Christmas Gift Promotion. You’ll be surprised that you can create such a beautiful ornament from paper. It takes a bit of time, but is actually pretty simple to do. And it makes a great gift. Here’s how! SUPPLIES: • Ornament Keepsake stamp set (#128048 wood, #128051 clear) • Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies (#127816) • Big Shot (#113439) • Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink Pad (#126966) • Old Olive Classic Ink Pad (#126953) • Very Vanilla card stock (#101650) • Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334) • 1-3/8” Circle Punch (#119860) • 3-1/2” Scalloped Tulle Ribbon (#127841) • Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755) • Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555) • Large Pearl Basic Jewels (#125577) • Linen Thread (#104199) • 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon or other ribbon for hanging ornament • Rosette Die (#125594) • Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper (#126901) • Silicone Craft Sheet (#127853) • Bone Folder (#102300) • Hot Glue Gun and Glue Step 1: Stamp 20 of the larger ornament images on Very Vanilla card stock with Old Olive ink. Cut out with the coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits Die using the Big Shot. Stamp 20 of the small ornament images on Very Vanilla card stock with Cherry Cobbler ink. Cut out with the coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits Die using the Big Shot. Score 15 of each ornament in half from top to bottom using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Fold in half along the score line. Step 2: Use the Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere three of the scored ornaments together. Adhere one half of the first ornament lined up with one half of the next ornament and then do the same with the third ornament. Leave one half of the first and last ornaments un-glued. Repeat the steps until you have created 5 sets of the 3-ornament groupings in each ornament style. Add Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the halves of the first and last ornaments in the 3-ornament grouping. Adhere to the back of an un-scored ornament of the same style. Repeat for all 5 sets of each style. Step 3: Punch a circle from scrap card stock using the 1-3/8” Circle Punch. Place the circle on the Silicone Craft Sheet. Add a line of hot glue around the edge of the circle. Position the necks of the larger Old Olive ornaments, flat side down, evenly around the circle. Press into the hot glue. Use the Bone Folder to avoid burning yourself. Nest the smaller ornaments with the larger ornaments. To finish up, add Tulle Ribbon and linen thread, and create a rosette to add to the center of the ornament with the clear button using hot glue. Punch a hole for ribbon at the top. Optional: Add Dazzling Details Stampin’ Glitter or Champaign Shimmer Mist to add sparkle to the finished ornament.
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! Adhesive Options - Q&A

Stampin' Up! Adhesive Options

	Q&A Q: You have a lot of adhesives – how do I know which ones to use? A: That’s a sticky question – pun intended! Ha! Okay, seriously, there are a lot of adhesives, but that is good news because it means that you can get the perfect one for your project! Here are the details to help you make the choice that will stick best!   The Annual Catalog has 11 different adhesives listed on page 177. There is also a little blurb about each and I’ve included even more detail for you here: 8 Most Popular Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive (#104332) – The most versatile adhesive. Perfect for cards, scrapbook pages, and other flat projects. Acid-free. Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430) – A must have! Just a bit of dimension added by these double-sided foam pieces can make a project really pop! Glue Dots (#103683) – These strong little dots are ideal for adding buttons, bows, knotted ribbon, and other small embellishments. Acid-free. Sticky Strip (#104294) – The go-to adhesive for 3-D projects like boxes or projects that will be handled a lot. This super-sticky double-sided tape is a must-have! Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755) – Great for adding embossed card stock layers without crushing the embossing, and is a fast and economical choice for putting together cards. Plus, this adhesive is permanent when used to adhere while it’s wet, or let it dry and it is a strong temporary adhesive like a super-sticky note. Anywhere Glue Sticks (2) (#104045) – This quick and economical adhesive is best on card stock or Designer Series Paper. It dries quickly, but isn’t quite as strong as SNAIL or Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Crystal Effects (#101055) – This super-glossy liquid makes a strong adhesive, but also creates a beautiful, lacquered look over images. 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425) – With the small tip, this adhesive is applied much like using a marker, making it great for adding glitter to detailed areas. Like the Multipurpose Liquid Glue, the 2-Way Glue Pen is also permanent when used wet and a temporary adhesive when first allowed to dry. 3 Specialty Adhesives: Fabric Adhesive Roll (#122194) – Just like it says, this adhesive is best when used with fabric. It comes on a roll and can be cut with Big Shot dies. To use it, simply iron the adhesive onto the fabric, cut the fabric, peel off the backing, and then iron the fabric to your project. It’s machine washable, and the package includes instructions for your reference. Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (#120805) – These adhesive sheets are ideal for creating your own self-adhesive die cuts or stickers using your precut shapes. With edge-to-edge coverage, this adhesive is great for projects where you want to be sure the edges don’t lift. Twelve sheets of 12” x 12” adhesive gives you a great value and a whole lot of adhesive to get creative with - it could become addictive! Instructions included for your reference. Acid-free. Shaker Frames (#124155) – These double-sided foam frames are 1/8” thick and are perfect for creating shaker cards. Simply select a Shaker Frame in your desired size, add it to your project, add a bit of glitter, small beads, etc., into the frame and then cover with Window Sheet. Each package includes 36 frames (6 each of 6 nested circle sizes), so you’ll have lots of creative options. This is a great time to stock up on our most popular adhesives and get rewarded for doing so.  Purchase one of each of the top 8 adhesives and receive one free roll of ribbon. If you have the SNAIL dispenser already, get 2 refills instead. Hopefully this list will keep you from being stuck when wondering which adhesive to use! If you have any questions or want more details on any of these adhesives, I am here to help! Download our Flyer and Celebrate Back to 'Spool' in September!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

31% Off Digital for 31 Days! - Q&A

31% off digital for 31 days!

	Q&A Q: For what kinds of projects can I use My Digital Studio 2? A: Well, I could say that the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Or give you the predictable answer and say scrapbook pages, photobooks, calendars, and more. But, since we are celebrating the release of My Digital Studio 2 with 31% off 31 digital content options and most print products for all 31 days of August, I’ll just go with the flow and give you 31 inspirations! 1. Create a scrapbook or photobook to honor a friend using the It's All Me Kit (#128999). 2. Host an end of summer party for your friends and neighbors. Create invitations and table décor using the Boardwalk stamp brush set (#129598). 3. Make a year in review scrapbook as Christmas gifts for grandparents this year. Using the Year in Review Photo book Template (#125743) will make creating this special gift a snap! 4. Hold the most adorable baby shower without breaking a sweat using the Hello, Baby Ensemble Kit (#126159). 5. Make Christmas cards that are as unique as you and your family using the Bright Year Greeting Card Template (#131011). 6. Highlight your family in a one-of-a-kind family tree. Use the Bold Branches Stamp Brush Set (#124212) as the beginning, add photos of your family members and print as a 12” scrapbook page. Frame the printed page and show your family pride! 7. Give the best gift ever ... the gift of caring and time. How? Make a set of all-occasion cards using the Celebrate Any Day Greeting Card Templates (#127757) to make a great set of customizable cards. Print several copies of each and create bundles of assorted cards by simply tying a ribbon around them. Then give them as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, teacher appreciation, showers, graduations, and hostess gifts. When your friends use the cards, they save time and share caring thoughts. 8. Doll up your office with elements from the Messenger II Embellishments Digital Download (#124578). Too much time is spent at work for you to spend it in boring surroundings! 9. Make a swatchbook as a coach's gift. Get a photo of each child on the sports team, team photo, shots of tournaments, views into the dugout or sideline, and other team events. Add the photos to a simple swatchbook using the team colors and the Athletic Department brush set (#121065). Once printed, have each kid sign the page with their photo and give as a gift to the coach. Or make one for each team member and have the team autograph each other's books. 10. It doesn’t matter if your babies are 2 or 20, you’ll still love having a special photo collage of their baby photos and stats. Use the precious Baby Prints brush set (#130162) to highlight those special memories! 11. Love to camp? Show off your outdoor fun with a photo collage scrapbook featuring the fun images in the Happy Camper Memories (#130069) and Happy Camper (#126033) brush sets. 12. Love to travel? Make a special travel journal to help record your special trips using the Adventure Awaits stamp brush set (#129871). 13. Use the Bulletin Alphabet & Numbers stamp brush set to make an A-Z swatchbook. Use one page per letter listing your favorite thing, food, place, person, etc. for each letter. 14. Start 2013 off right with a custom calendar using the 2013 Month By Month Calendar Template (#130874). This also makes a great gift! 15. Bring a little romance into your everyday when you print, frame, and display the In Love Designer Template Page (#127343). 16. Planning a big event or wedding? Use the classically styled Meant To Be Designer Invitation Templates (#129354) for creating invitations, RSVP cards, Save the Dates, and more! 17. Are your travel photos collecting digital dust on your hard drive? Just use the World Traveler Photobook Template to drag and drop your photos, add your captions, and you’ll enjoy your travels all over again in your photobooks! 18. Do you road trip? Capture the moments in a 12” x 12” photobook using the stylish Travel Log Kit (#126022). 19. Need to tame some pirates? Use the Ahoy, Matey Ensemble (#130078) to create a bounty of pirate party fun! 20. Go digital for your diva! Create a princess party of royal design with the A Royal Day Ensemble (#130079). Crowns, treat boxes, banners, cupcake toppers, thank you notes, and more – all fit for a princess! 21. Download, print, and frame our Can'ts Into Cans Framable Designer Template (#130077). A fun décor piece with an inspirational quotation. Easily customizable to change the colors to suit your style and space … or a friend's favorites. 22. Have holidays that are organized with the 12 Days of Christmas Swatchbook (#130985). Record 12 family traditions in each of the premade templates and use it as a checklist. Makes a great gift for your children to share the family traditions with their own families. 23. Make a personalized journal as teacher’s gifts this year using the A is for Apple Stamp Brush Set (#127411). 24. Remember those school pictures growing up? How fun it was to reminisce and see the changes from year to year? Make a childhood 8” x 8” album for your children. It’s easier than you think when you use the A is for Apple Stamp Brush Set which has a 5” x 5” designer template. Create one template for each year with the individual picture on the left page and the class picture on the right page and duplicate for each year. 25. We could all use a little organization and daily dose of inspiration, right? Use the 2012 Daily Planner Photobook template and print a softcopy photobook to use for all your appointments and reminders. Go ahead and add your favorite inspirational quotes that you want to remember at the top of each month. 26. As a special gift, create and print Baby Announcements for a friend who just had a baby. They will be so grateful for the thoughtful gift. See our Announcing Baby Postcards Templates (#129593 boy) and (#129592 girl). 27. Know someone who could use a little encouragement? Maybe yourself? Create a desktop easel gift with our Be Awesome Today Easel Calendar Template (#131008). It can be used as a daily calendar or a perpetual birthday reminder list. This gift is so handy you will want to print 10 copies and have them on hand for when you need them. 28. Never miss another birthday with our Book Of Birthdays Swatchbook Template (#129923) Perpetual Calendar. Keeps all the dates handy in one place, so you don’t have to go searching for them each month. 29. Are you a foodie? Publish your own recipe book using our Melt In Your Mouth Recipe Photobook Template (#131007). Share your love by printing several copies to give as gifts. Who knows, you might get a request to publish a book each year. 30. Create a personalized story and coloring book for a child or grandchild with our Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper (#131221). What child wouldn’t enjoy seeing their name, familiar places and cherished storeis in their own book? Or help them to create their own stories. 31. Have a spooktacular Halloween when you download and print our Pick Your Poison Embellishments (#125614). Add a quick accent to any project, or decorate your own bottle of poison with these 38 embellishments! Download our Flyer and Start Indulging
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

The New Annual Catalog - Q&A

The NEW Annual Catalog

	Q&A Q: How can I get a catalog? A: With the release of the new Annual Catalog, stampers everywhere want to know the same thing! The great news is that there are many ways for you to get a catalog, see the great new products, and get creative inspiration! Host When you host a workshop, you receive a free Annual Catalog from me. Plus, you get to be among the first to see, use, and enjoy great new products from the Annual Catalog. Contact me today to set up your fun stamping party! View Online If you can’t wait for your copy of the Annual Catalog to arrive, you can view it online – anywhere, anytime access! Just visit my Stampin’ Up! website, go to the Products tab at the top, and select “Catalogs”. Or you can view the products by category or search for specific products in my store. From my Stampin’ Up! website, select the “Shop Now” button at the top right. Plus, you'll find that the Digital Designing products are available in my store as well. My Specials Contact me to find out even more ways that you can get your hands on the amazing new Annual Catalog. I just know you are going to love it! It is packed with great new products and just bursting with creative project samples to inspire you.
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Sending Cards - Q&A

Sending Cards

	Q&A Q: I love receiving cards in the mail. Any suggestions on how to remember to send cards for any occasion? A: That is a great question! We all love the art of making cards, but sometimes it’s hard for any of us to remember special occasions, write a note to a friend, or even let go of a favorite card! (Yeah, we’ve all been there!) We’ve all seen ideas that sounded great and then when you think about it you know it will fit in your life or you think to yourself sarcastically “yeah, that’ll happen”! So, I’ve got a suggestion that will work for planners and those whose schedules are loose. Here are a couple of tried-and-true tips that will put you at the top of the thoughtful friend list! Plan a Moment If you are a planner, you’ll love this tip. Plan a time into your schedule each week for writing cards. Now this doesn’t have to be a big event; even 15 minutes that you can take to reach out to those you care about is great. I recommend stamping a whole stack of cards - they don’t have to be specific to the person, and keeping them on hand so that you can quickly add a note and get it in the mail. As much as we love the art of stamping, the true magic comes when you share that connection with someone else. Start by checking your calendar to see who has birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. coming up. Next, take a few moments to reflect on your week. Who touched your life this week in a way that makes you grateful or who could use the pick-me-up of a thoughtful note? Now write a couple lines - it doesn’t have to be a lot for someone to know that you care. Grab a Moment If the idea of planning a time to sit down makes you crazy, then don’t! Make a "to go" card center that you can use to write notes when you have a moment and the mood strikes you. Our clear-mount stamp cases are ideal. Just add a bit of your favorite Designer Series Paper under the cover and fill the case with a couple of cards, envelopes, a pen, and stamps. Now drop it in your purse or your car. Next time you are waiting for an appointment, sitting in the carpool line, hanging out at a kids sporting event, taking a lunch break at work, or whenever it is you have a minute, you can open your card case, write a quick note, add the address and stamp, and drop it into the mail. It is easy, fast, convenient, and a thoughtful way to make the most of those little moments. Take a Photo If you are like most stampers, you are afflicted with the “I can’t let it go” bug. You know the feeling - you love a card, want to remember a technique, plan to re-create more just like it, so you hold onto the card instead of sending it. Stop it! Cards are meant to be shared! But you can still keep the look, idea, and reminder by snapping a quick photo with your camera or cell phone. Save the photos in a file for card ideas or several files by stamp set, occasion, techniques, whatever it was that made you love the card. Now keep the photo and share the joy of the card by sending it and everyone wins! Share the Magic Unlike email that gets buried and forgotten, a hand-stamped card is a physical reminder to those that receive it that you thought of them, that you care, and that they are special. So hand-deliver or mail a card today. You’ll love the feeling you get from giving, and you’ll brighten someone’s day in a very special way.
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