It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Cards too!!

Hi everyone - I am sure most of you have done your special cards and mailed them or are getting ready to hand deliver them to your lucky family, friends and co-workers during the next few days leading up to Christmas Day (along with some treats that you may have made or bought). Enjoy all the visiting and sharing the happiness that seems to be in the air at this time of year. I love it when we get together with our friends and neighbours to catch up on everyone's news.

My final "Make it Monday" session for 2016 is tomorrow night (December 19th) from 7:00 - 9:00 pm and yes, you can still make a couple of quick cards or tags and enjoy some background music and nibble on some Christmas treats - all part of my monthly events where you can make cards to add to your box so you will always have some ready to give!

Please remember to register for this event so I know to make enough kits for you!!

Here are some recent cards we made in my pre-Christmas classes - and the cute box that was part of my tag making class in November!

The Seasonal Bells Stamp Set and Bell Punch will be perfect to use for anniversaries, weddings and other events besides Christmas and the best news is that both items are carrying over from the retiring Holiday Catalogue!! BUT if you want them as a bundle, and save 10%, then order from the Holiday catalogue before January 3rd!

A really cute card mixing the DSP This Christmas (Annual Catalogue) with a greeting from the Cookie Cutter Christmas Stamp Set in the Holiday catalogue along with the Baby Bear Stamp Set (Annual Catalogue) - so much fun!!

Lots of sponging and masking going on here - my favourite way to add colour and then some bling with Silver Metallic Thread, and sequins! The Holly Jolly Greetings Stamp Set is from the Annual Catalogue so you can get it now and be ready to make cards like this one for next year - how's that for planning ahead??

Loved the Warmth and Cheer 6 x 6 DSP Stack this year - so many ways to add some traditional colour and designs to your cards - and look how well it works with the Christmas Pines Stamp Set and coordinating Pretty Pines Thinlits (carrying over too but not as a bundle so you can order before January 3rd and save 10%).  Hint: the "Make it Monday" cards will be using some of this DSP too!

Loved this little box that coordinates with the tags we made in our tag class - all the tags used the super cute Candy Cane Lane DSP - which is now sold out so I do hope you got yours!!

Speaking of selling out - did you check the Yearend Clearance yet? Here's the scoop on the sale

and the link too - I recommend you place your order directly on my website - not only do you know for sure that what you want is still available, but it also comes directly to your house so no waiting to coordinate times with me :-) And with this busy time of year, you don't want to miss out on an item because I was out shopping when you sent me an email!

Stitched from the Heart Dies and Christmas Card/Tag Classes

Hi everyone - before I share my card and tag making dates I HAVE to show you what Stampin' Up! just released ahead of the June 2017 Annual Catalogue launch!! I am "over the moon excited" about these dies, and the fact that they have put some coordinating stamp sets on sale too!

I have wanted some dies that have the stitched look forever, and they are finally here!! Can you tell I am super happy??? And I ordered first thing yesterday morning so they are on their way to me and I can show you how awesome they are!

Take a look at these pictures and see if you don't agree with me  . . . 

If you can't wait to see them next time you visit my studio, then click here and check them out on my on-line store. The orders come direct to your home, so no waiting for me to deliver . . .  and that means you get to stamp and play much quicker :-) Plus you get a thank you gift in the mail from me with every on-line order . . .  and that's a win-win!

Here's the list of all the stamp sets on sale too - most are from the current Holiday Catalogue, and a few from the annual Catalogue . .  what are you waiting for? Shop now and get those special cards and tags made and ready for giving!

Which stamps are on your wish list?? Now you can buy them until November 30th on SALE!

And here is a quick look at some recent cards I made with our Designer Series Papers - you can adapt any of these ideas to work with your own papers, or let me know which ones you want and I can place the order for you!

Are you ready to make some cards and tags for Christmas, but don't know where to start? Join me in my studio and make as many cards as you want during my "Card Buffet Days", or book one of my "Tags for Christmas" times and have tags for every gift ready to go! The cards will include using the new (and awesome!) Stitched Shapes Framelits as well as some of the stamps on sale so you can see how well they work together! Project plans included and emailed after class. All cards are 3/$10.00 and you can make as many multiples as you want during the session. Pre-registration is required so I can prepare enough kits!!

Dates/times for Card Buffet Classes: Monday, Nov 21 (7-9 pm); Wednesday, Nov 23 (11-1 pm or 2-4 pm) - more may be added if demand is high. Note the November 21 date is my regular Make it Monday night which will be replaced by this card class.

Here's a sneak peak at some of the cards you will make -

The tags will use the super popular Candy Cane Lane paper and the Candy Cane Stamp Set and you can make 12 of these in an evening or daytime session and have instructions emailed to you after class so you can make more at home. A set of 12 tags is $10.00 and pre-registration is required so I can prepare enough kits for you!

Dates/times for Tags for Christmas: Monday, Nov 28 (7-9 pm); Thursday, Dec 1 (11-1 pm or 2-4 pm) - more times may be added depending on demand!

And here's a look at the tags plus you will have a box to put them in making this a great gift to pass on!

Book your spot now by sending me an email or message, and we can get ready for the holidays together!!   Until then, Happy Stamping!!

A quick note that we still have a very few spots left for our Ronald McDonald House Stamp a Stack fundraiser on November 26th - check it out and book by November 5th to get the early bird pricing - click on this link now :-)

Make it Monday is coming on October 17th at 7:00 pm!

Hi everyone - my Make it Monday events are all about creating clean and simple cards so you have a supply on hand ready to use for any occasion. I can't wait to see you this Monday from 7:00 - 9:00 pm when we will take some papers, stamps and ink and make cards for any celebration to have on hand - and save that last-minute mad dash to the dollar store because you NEED a card NOW! Let me know you are coming so I have enough kits ready and yes, you are welcome to bring a friend too :-)

Today I am sharing some cards I recently made - so you can think about making your own cards for any event in your life! Copy exactly or take the ideas to create your own cards! That's what great about this card making "hobby" - you can choose how you want to take any sketch or card and re-create it in your own home!

I really love trying out "One Sheet Wonder" templates as I can get so many different cards from one sheet of paper! Take a look at all the cards I made using only an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of this gorgeous Affectionately Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper. The "specialty" part comes in because of the copper foil in the pattern on a couple of sheets - you can really see it on the bonus card I made with some of the leftover pieces after I cut into my 12" x 12" papers. I added some copper foil die cuts and it looks really shiny in person!

I got this idea from a Pinterest post from UK demonstrator Michelle Last - loved the way she stamped her own background paper - I took the easy way out by cutting into one of Stampin' Up!'s ready printed papers! This is a perfect way to add cards to your stash, and use up some of those papers you have stored to use up "someday"!!

Remember that during the month of October you can stock up on your favourite papers with the Buy 3, get 1 FREE promotion - a great chance to stock up or share with a friend!

The die cuts and stamps are from the Sunshine Sayings bundle of dies and stamps - and you get 10% off when you get them together . . . .  and who doesn't love to save?? I love that you can mix and match the dies with the stamps!

Check them out here in my on-line store where you can shop 24/7 whenever you need to get it now!

I hope you had a chance to sit at a table with some family and friends this past Thanksgiving Day weekend. We had family visiting us and used some of my September Paper Pumpkin kit treat holders for each place - they were well loved!!

Paper Pumpkin kits come to you monthly and include FedEx delivery - you always get a fun surprise to create right away, or to take with you on a holiday, or when you have children visiting - they LOVE to help you create! Click here to sign up so you can start your monthly fun kit!

And card makers are definitely getting into the Christmas spirit as we start making cards to send to our family and friends during the holidays - here is a perfect card that uses the Pretty Pines Framelits Dies, the Merry Tags Framelits Dies and the Pine Bough Textured Embossing Folder from the Holiday Catalogue, along with the Large Letters Framelits. I got the idea from Sandi in our demo group and altered it to use what I had on hand! You can even see a peak of pine bough in side the card! All supplies are available through me or my online store!

I hope you enjoy todays' cards and if I can help you in your paper crafting journey, send me an email or message me from Facebook! I'd love to hear from you!

Happy stamping!

Sharing card ideas from #WCMD2016 with you!

Hi everyone - Juanita and I had a great time welcoming you to my studio on Saturday, October 1st and sharing our card ideas with you, too.

For those who were not able to make it - here are the three cards we showcased for you to make and take home with you - and MAIL to someone!

First up is Juanita's sample - a great use of the 2015-2017 In Color Cardstock (all 5 colours too!) and the Acorn Builder Punch. The Woodland background embossing folder adds the perfect texture to this fall card, and the greeting from Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set can be changed out to any greeting for your needs. It's the perfect "any occasion card", don't you think??

For the next card, I wanted to showcase Stampin' Up!'s pre-scored notecards with matching envelopes (20 in a pack for only $8.00 - an amazing deal in Whisper White or Crumb Cake!) - so everyone got to make this cute reindeer using the Cookie Cutter Christmas Stamp Set and Cookie Cutter Builder Punch.  We added a strip of Warmth & Cheer DSP flagged with the Banner Triple Punch. The background shine comes from a piece of the NEW Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate. I love the way it adds some shine and you can still see through it to the card beneath! I used the Soft Suede Marker to colour only the "Merry Christmas" words in the greeting stamp - a quick tip when you don't want the whole greeting. And finally, a quick touch with a Real Red marker for the nose, and a gold star from the Metallic Enamel Shapes and it was done!

The final card was made to show how to use up those scraps of designer paper sitting on your desk, or in a box (wherever you hide them for "someday"!). The card base is Cucumber Crush stamped with flowers in VersaMark Ink from the Watercolor Wishes Stamp Set. The greeting is from the same set. it has great options for so many cards! Another scrap of Cucumber Crush Designer Series Paper Stack, and a small strip of Gold Glimmer Paper gave me a great background for my focal Happy Birthday. The stamped piece was easily attached with two torn strips from the Pop of Pink Designer Washi Tape. Add another strip to the front or back of your envelope, and you have a coordinated look in a couple of minutes! I added the heart shape form the Metallic Enamel Shapes over the "I" in Birthday :-)

Everyone had a fun time making cards for our version of World Card Making Day - maybe we will see you next year! Our draw winner was Patty D' and she won a package of hand stamped cards to use! Thanks for entering our draw, Patty!

To order any of the products used, please click on this link to go to my on-line store or send me an email with your wish list and we can include it on my next order going in! Remember Stampin' Up! has a great special on for the month of October where you can buy Three packages of Designer Paper and get One FREE - see all the details below or on my website.

And if you are still thinking about signing up for Paper Pumpkin to get your kit every month, then now is the time and here is the link - order before October 10th and get November FREE! Just like the banner says!!

I had so much fun making the kit for September because I can use the treats for our Thanksgiving dinner table and I still have enough left over for my Stamp Club sessions next week . . . a great kit this month!

Happy Stamping and thanks for stopping by to visit me today!

#WCMD2016 World Card Making Day is October 1st! Get ready to create!

Hi everyone - now that you know there REALLY is a World Card Making Day, let's get together and make some cards to send to our friends and family - for a birthday, an anniversary, or "just because" you want to make someone happy.

I'm hoping you can make it to my home studio tomorrow - anytime from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and have some fun as Juanita and I share our card making ideas with you.  Enter our draw, enjoy a few nibbles and treat yourself to some "my crafting time" without any interruptions. When you get home, remember to mail the cards you have made to someone special.

Stampin' Up! has given us some awesome specials for World Card Making Day, and some Designer Series Paper specials for the month of October! Check them out, and if you can't make it to my event, send me your order, or order on line here so you don't miss out! All on-line orders receive a thank you gift in the mail from me.

Card making basics and tools on special until October 5th - honestly if pick out one of the In Color packs plus the coordinating Envelope Paper; the Envelope Punch Board and the Fast Fuse deal, you will be set for making all your cards for at least the next few months!

The Designer Series paper packs are buy three and get one FREE for the whole month of October! They have included a couple of my favourites from the Holiday Catalogue too! Great deal and would make a great share with a friend . . . . . . .

Hoping to see you in person, but remember you can always "shop now" on my blog and get your order in right away, and delivered to your home.

Happy Stamping!

World Card Making Day is October 1st - let's make cards together!

If you have never heard about World Card Making Day, then you are probably not alone -  this is your chance to catch up and make a card for that special someone in your life (or make more than one). Come to my home studio anytime on Saturday October 1st between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm and have some fun. Who do you want to make a special card for this week?

Here's some samples of recent cards at my September 19th Make it Monday drop in event - we always have so much fun sharing card ideas and techniques, and learning from each other as we create our cards.This event is designed to help you use up patterned paper pieces, or retired products that are in your stash by making some clean and simple card designs - and then you will feel really good about being able to buy some new stuff! Notice that each card uses the same basic layout - but they look so different with the patterned paper choices and ribbon or punched add-ons.

Wondering how to use up that washi tape that someone convinced you to buy? This card idea is perfect for that (on the left) or cut strips of patterned paper to use (on the right). I love Washi Tape and it makes a quick, colourful and great decorative strip on envelopes too!

These next cards are from our recent Stamp Club class where we showcased some fall ideas with sponging and masking techniques (I even snuck in some washi tape trim) and a Christmas Card made with our new Holly Berry Builder Punch and stamp set - yes in card making, it is never too soon to start making our cards for special events or seasons! Punches help make it so easy to create your cards!

Juanita and I will have several card sample kits for you to choose from on Saturday - and you can let your imagination take you on a different path than  the suggested card so come on over! Can't wait to see you! Bring a friend, enter our draw and enjoy some treats while you browse our retired products and the new catalogue.

If you don't have time to drop by (sad face from me!) but still want to order from the awesome new Holiday catalogue, then click the link here and place your order from home (in your PJ's too) and it will be there in about a week. And I will send you a thank you gift by mail too!

And here's my latest swap card featuring the Cookie Cutter Halloween stamps and the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch in the Holiday Catalogue - love those little guys and it is so easy to stamp - punch - colour (or not) and fasten to card base! Don't you love those little guys? there is a coordinating Cookie Cutter Christmas stamp set featuring gingerbread men, reindeer, a teddy bear and Santa - love them all!!

If you are thinking about ordering the Paper Pumpkin kits, then now is a great time to test them out - sign up here by October 10th, use the promo code BOGO and you will get the November kit free - and we all know that FREE is good :-) I love having the kits on hand to take camping, or do a crafting project with my grandkids. They are great to have ready to make for so many reasons. And if the project isn't something that you really like - just wait a week and the Pinterest site is filled with great alternate ideas to help you create something new! It's really a win-win program for you!

Quick reminder - if you've been thinking about signing up for our Ronald McDonald House Stamp-a-Stack fundraiser on November 26th - then check out this link and get registered now! We are getting close to "Sold Out" and don't want you to miss. Early bird pricing is only $55.00 with all proceeds going the Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver. If you need help with registering let me know!

Paper Pumpkin BOGO Event!! Thoughtful Branches Bundle still available!

Hi everyone - you know what BOGO means don't you??? Buy One, Get One FREE - that's right - not a penny more!

What's the deal you ask? Here's what you need to know to get your own kit sent to you (and have the free one ready to go the following month) and please read the "fine print" too . . . .

Offer Dates: August 11 – October 10, 2016

Offer Details: When you use promo code “BOGO” at PaperPumpkin.com, you pay the regular price of $26.95 and get your second month for FREE! 

If you subscribe with the promo code between now and September 10, you will pay full price for the September kit and get the October kit free. If you subscribe between September 11 and October 10, your first kit will be the October kit and you will get the November kit free.

The Fine Print:

• IMPORTANT: Offer invalid if subscription is suspended or cancelled during the first two months. In other words, you cannot cancel or suspend your subscription during the first two months—if you do, the offer is void. You can’t put your subscription on hold or cancel until after the first two full months.
• After the first two months, the subscription will continue for $26.95 + tax per month (shipping is included) unless cancelled or suspended. Ends October 10, 2016.
• This offer is open to first-time subscribers only.
• Not valid on prepaid subscriptions.
• Ends October 10, 2016 (the last day to subscribe and get the October kit).

The Limited Edition bundle "Thoughtful Branches" is still available but ONLY until August 31st.  Have you checked Pinterest lately? So many amazing ideas are being shared with this versatile "all seasons" set - everything from spring through to winter, and even some Halloween and fall ideas. Get yours today before they are gone!

Take a look at all the Stamps and matching Framelits you get in the one bundle - a real value:

Shop now in my on line store with this link and don't miss out! Or send me an email to have me order for you :-)

Some Easy and Stepped Up Card Inspiration for you

Hi everyone - summer is finally here on the West Coast - temperatures are up around 30 unless you are enjoying the cooler breeze off the water . . . .

Here is some summer inspiration for you - the story board for the make and take at last week's Catalogue Launch party as well as ways to take the card and "step it up" when you have time or want to add something special to your cards.

I got the ideas from our demonstrator Stamping Success magazine - a great resource for us to find out what's new and trending in the paper crafting world. Card #1 is quick and easy, card #2 takes a bit more time and cardstock, and card #3 is "watercoloured" with Blender Pens - perfect for a special person! Then there is a smaller 3 x 3 gift card in the corner - easy to make from smaller strips of cardstock while you have your stamps out and perfect for taking with a small gift when you are visiting friends or family :-)

I will be at the Country Lane Scrapbook Store's summer Garage Sale on Sunday, August 7th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm so please drop by and check out the retired products on sale as well as sample cards you can buy for any occasion.

The location is 17665 - 66A Avenue and it is just off 176th Street (you can see the store sign on 176th)

As always, if you need to order something "right now" then click on this link or the "Shop Now" buttons on the blog, and go to my on-line store and the order will come directly to your house in a few days! And I will send you a thank you in the mail to let you know I do appreciate your ordering through me. Any time you have questions on a product or technique, please give me a call, send me an email or a message and we can talk about it . . .

I'm looking forward to seeing you soon - meanwhile - Happy Stamping!

Reserve your seat now - 4th Annual Ronald McDonald Fundraiser

Hi everyone - 

It's time for our 4th Annual Ronald McDonald fundraiser in support of the Vancouver House. Last year we raised over $3,500! Please join us for a fun day of stamping and sharing. We'll make 8 cards (4 Christmas themed and 4 Thank You) - all proceeds go to RMHC. The demonstrators involved donate all their supplies, prizes and time!

For more details and to register, click on this link - I am so looking forward to seeing you this year and sharing some amazing cards designed just for you by 7 of my most creative Stampin' Up! demonstrator friends - and me!!

Quick Facts:

When: Saturday, November 26, 2016 from Noon to 4:00 pm. (Doors will open at 11:30 so you can get settled into your space!)
Where: Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West - 3677 Kensington Ave, Burnaby, BC V5B 4A5
What do I need to bring? Yourself, register and drive in with a friend (?), some extra coins/cash to get raffle tickets as you won't want to miss out on some awesome prizes :-), all supplies are included!

The picture above right was my sample board for last year's event and my head is already buzzing with ideas for this year! Click on the link above and reserve your spot today before they are "sold out" - two very sad words you don't want to see!

Save the Date and Note: Order going in tomorrow July 1st

Happy Summer to you!

I hope you are enjoying the warm and sunny weather - we had a great time camping for the past two weeks and the weather was perfect for our travels. Here's a quick shot of us visiting our kids in Nelson on their 10 acres - with their sheep behind us - very cool!

Save the dates for our amazing Annual Catalogue Launch party - Thursday, July 21st in the evening; Friday July 22nd and Saturday July 23rd both daytime - more details to follow!

I will have lots of new products to show you (that's why I am putting an order in tomorrow and you can add to it!), samples galore and you can make a card or two yourself! I will also have a table with the most recent retired products where you can get some truly awesome deals!

If you've never tried card making, now is your chance to see how creative you really are! Here's some samples of cards made with our new products and colours by my swap group - aren't they great???

This new catalogue is full of awesome new products and ideas and it will be yours when you come to the party! I can't wait to see you and share ideas with you - and you can bring your latest crafting ideas to share too :-) Juanita will be playing with us at the party on Thursday and Friday so those of you who know her, will enjoy saying Hi again . . . .

Need something NOW??? Let me know by the end of the day, and I will add it to my order going in early tomorrow morning! You should have it to start playing by next weekend! Stampin' Up! orders are delivered by UPS so the possible Canada Post work stoppage will not affect delivery of our orders.

If you can't make the party, remember you can order any time on line using this link and I will send you a thank you for every on-line order!

Summer Fun Cards for you!

One thing about camping is we don't always have access to the internet, or when we do it can be intermittent. So I am taking advantage of a good connection while we visit with Chris and Becky in Nelson (and their growing "family" of 4 legged animals - horses, sheep, chickens plus two dogs).

Here's some card making inspiration for you from my most recent Make it Monday evenings - now on summer break and back for you in September! These cards focused on using up bits of patterned papers, or washi tape so yes, you will notice some "retired" products on the cards!!

And here's some more ideas from my most recent swap group shares. The card on the right uses some of the new and fabulous COPPER Embossing and Metallic thread - love the effect with the navy!

Juanita and I attended a "Show and Shine" event at Maple Ridge Secondary to help the grad class fundraiser at the end of May and had a great time showing people how easily they can stamp a quick card - here's a couple of shots of our display and cards - it was cool but sunny and the old cars were definitely the stars of the day!

If you would like to shop while I am away, browse the catalogue from my blog, then go to my on-line store which is open 24/7 (link here) - it's a great place to shop in your jammies! Please use the June Hostess Code 7JQUBGC3 and I will send you a thank you gift from me in the mail!

I will send out Catalogue Launch dates once I am home and back in the more usual routine - I can't wait to show you the New In Colors, Dies, Stamp Sets and Papers! And you can pick up your own copy of the new catalogue, play with the new products, make a card or two and decide what you really MUST GET right now . . . . or build a wish list so you have what you need for the next year . . . . . . I will have a display of my latest retired products too.

I've been working on my albums while we are camping - using Project Life by Stampin' Up! and it has made it so easy for me to do some catching up!  Love that I can do the full page scrapbook pages if I want to, or I can add pictures quickly in the pocket pages, some journaling from the Project Life cards and embellishments, and the pages are done :-)  Here's a quick glimpse of my work area (can you guess we've been eating outside?)

Yesterday was the first day of summer in our calendar and I hope it's the start of a great sunny season for you and your family! Take time to do some crafting with those around you (Paper Pumpkin kits are the ideal travel kits - check them out here) - and sharing your stories in your scrapbook pages (Project Life by Stampin' Up! is the best way to keep it going!)

Happy Stamping!

Paper Pumpkin for $7.00 Flash Sale!! 31 hours only!!!

Yes, it's true - for only 31 hours you can sign up for Paper Pumpkin kits as a NEW subscriber and get the June Paper Pumpkin monthly kit for only $7.00 (+ tax). Shipping is included - Wow awesome deal!! If you cancelled a subscription and want to sign up again now, then you can get the deal too as long as you use a different email.

What are you waiting for? The kits are so much fun - I'm taking a couple of them camping as they are perfect for a rainy day, or some quiet time . . . and they are a great way to add some cards to your stash, or make a new project for a friend or your own home. The kits are so versatile that you can decide to anything with the products in the box - you never "have to" do what the kit instructions say!

How do you get in on this deal? Simply click on this link to go to my Paper Pumpkin site between 4:00 pm Pacific today (Thursday June 9th) and 10:50 pm Pacific tomorrow (Friday June 10th); enter the promo code ONEDAYDEAL and you are in! You will be so happy you finally did it . . . and by the middle of June you will be on your way to making a fun new project.

Check out the Pinterest link on the site as it is your pathway to so many other ideas if the kit is not totally your cup of tea (or coffee or wine)!

And as a bonus - you can get past kits when you are a subscriber - so don't wait! Set your alarm for 4:00 pm today and start bringing the fun to your house!

Want to make your kit with me? Let me know and we will do a PP night (or day!) as long as I'm not camping :-)

Happy Stamping!