Big Shot Owl

I got this owl idea from another demonstrator at a special demo event. I loved it so much I have already made three. They are super easy to do. He uses a number of my favorite Big Shot Dies and a handful of SU! Punches. To get written directions to make this owl, contact me to hostess your own workshop. All of your guests will love to make one of these cute characters.

I used him in two finished examples here. One is a standard sized card and one is a 12x12 scrapbook page. The third separate owl is going to be finished into a special gift for the hostess of my next "Big Shot Owl" Workshop. The card could be for anything from "Get Well" to "Graduation". I envision the scrapbook page to showcase something for school, but he could have many uses including outdoor play or the zoo.

More Bears

The dies that are available for the Build-A-Bear give you many options for clothes and costumes. When I first worked with the dies it was easiest to use the clothes just as shown in the catalog examples. I cut out a bunch of the bears in a few different shades and sat them on my work table. As I needed some of the basic clothes I would cut an entire die out of that color. I put the extra clothes pieces in a pile on my work table.

At one point I looked over and something caught my eye. The little skirt was just sitting the right way. It kept reminding me of a little tennis skirt. I used the basic clothes from the main die. I hand cut her a little pink racket. The hat is actually from the little boy die. I cut the hat so it looked like a sun visor. Adding a little faux stitching with my Pixie Pink Marker gives her a little pop to her clothes. Her tenis ball is made with the crop-a-dile hole punch. I tied her shoes with a piece of silver cord.

My kids have a Build-A-Bear from the store. When we get the chance to go to the mall, we look at new clothes. It seems to me like most of the outfits my kids like for their bears have a pair of shorts. The basic clothes die comes with a pair of pants. A quick little snip, snip and presto......shorts. Build-A-Bear sells some cute seasonal bears. They have shapes of color in the fur. They can be leaves, stars, or whatever else fits that time of year. I wanted to try a bear similar to these. Using the sponge daubers I stamped on some Real Red and Brilliant Blue random dots. I call him my little American Graffiti Bear. The hat is from the little boy bear accessory sizzlet die.

Classic Holiday Bears

I showed you two quick Build-A-Bears the other day. Today I have two more. Two other Big Shot dies available in the Holiday Mini Catalog contains costumes for the upcoming holidays. The first die has Halloween Costumes. The one shown is the large jack-o-lantern. There is also a witch's hat and broom. I gave my little bear a trick-or-treat bag, so he is ready to go.

The second die is for Christmas and has the pieces for a classic santa suit. You can also make a Mrs. Santa Bear by using the skirt from the basic clothes die I showed you the other day. It may look like there are lots of pieces to the bears, but it is simple to put together. Because the big shot can cut through so many layers, you can also cut multiple pieces at once. For the Santa bear, I was able to cut the real red, whisper white, and two black (two shoes) all at one time.

Check back tomorrow for non-traditional bears.

It's almost here!!

Only one more week till the Holiday Mini Catalog goes LIVE!! Watch your mailbox for your copy. One of the coolest things coming......Build-A-Bear. Yep, you heard me right. Build-A-Bear, just like the store at the mall......only better. Now they come in stamps.....and.....DIE CUTS!! Here is just a quick sample of what the new Big Shot Build-A-Bear Dies will do.

Both of the bears are cut from the same dies. The bears themselves are one die. You get the pieces for the bear, the face and a heart to put inside. The second die gives you the clothes. There is a shirt, a skirt, a pair of pants, and a 2-piece jacket. There are also shoes and a 2-piece vest not shown. I added a Flower Brad to the girl bear.

Be sure to check back this week for more sneak peaks at the other accessories you can get for your Big Shot Bear and a look at the Build-A-Bear Stamps.

The mini catalog can be viewed online starting September 1st. Orders can be placed online 24/7 at my Stampin' Up! Website. If you are in the Lawton area, check out my calendar of classes for special Build-A-Bear events.

Hubby's Birthday Card

My wonderful husband had his birthday today. I, like many people, have problems making masculine cards. I was looking through my stamp sets for some inspiration and came across "Game Night". Since we recently got back from Vegas for a short getaway, I thought I might be able to do something with this set. I also happen to have Jackpot, the Designer Series Paper that coordinates with the set.

In the DSP there is a sheet of words. Most of them are game titles, pieces, or poker hand names. A few of them stood out to me. I cut out three of the words and layered them on Real Red and Basic Grey to coordinate with the DSP. To make everything fit I put it all on a 6x6 card. I punched out a few of the suit symbols from another sheet in the DSP collection and put them inside some Build-A-Brads. On the inside I stamped a simple "Happy Birthday to You" from the dormant list and wrote a cute little message. "No matter what game we are playing or what hand we are dealt, you are a winning piece to us."

All products used are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased by clicking on "shop now" on my Stampin' Up! Website.

Stamps: Game Night, Birthday Wish

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Basic Grey, Real Red, Jackpot DSP

Ink: Real Red, Basic Black

Accessories: Build-A-Brad, 1-3/8" Circle Punch

Stamp-A-Stack Card #3

I had my first of four months "Christmas Stamp-A-Stack". This is one of the cards that everyone got to make. The stamp set "Lovely as a Tree" is a classic Stampi' Up! set. I got the layout idea from one of the swap cards I received at convention. I added the Old Olive panels and the sponging around the tree.

The card is fairly straight forward to CASE (Copy And Share Everything). Please feel free to use it in your holiday stamping this winter. It is somewhat hard to see in the photo, but there is glitter on the branches of the tree.

All the products used are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased by clicking on "shop now" in the upper right corner of my Stampin' Up! Website.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Four the Holidays (upcoming holiday mini catalog)
Ink: Old Olive, Basic Black
Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Two way glue pen, Dazzaling Diamonds Glitter, White Taffata Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Two Tags Big Shot Die

I have enjoyed playing with my Big Shot the last few months. When the current Catalog & Idea Book came out I was very anxious to see the new dies SU! was offering. As I flipped through the catalog one die in particual had caught my eye. On page 198 is the Stampin' Up! Two Tags BIGZ Die. It is just what it sounds like, two shapes to be used as gift tags.

One is a straight forward tag. There is a decorative scallop at one end. In my example tag shown, I layered the Scallop Circle on top of one end. The other tag folds in half to tuck in a slot. It is shown folded. It will not fit a gift card when folded, but is perfect for a cute"To: / From:". I have shown it here with the Christmas stamp from the Level 1 hostess stamp set "Holiday Best". These tags would be perfect for any gift. Since the big shot die will cut through tons of materials, you could make heavyweight tags to mark your belongings such as a suitcase or childs backpack.

All the product shown can be ordered by clicking "shop now" in the upper right hand corner of my Stampin' Up! website. A level one hostess stamp set is earned by placing a $150 product order (before tax & shipping). This can be from a single person or a group of people. Contact me to hostess your own workshop and see more ways to use the Big Shot, earn from free stuff, and most importantly HAVE FUN with your friends.

Two Tags SU! Die #115954 Holiday Best (Hostess Level 1)

Another Sketch Challenge Christmas

I really do like the Sketch Challenges on SCS. It is also amazing to see how different everyones cards can be even though they are following the same layout design. For todays Christmas card I selected Sketch #237 and Stamp set "Christmas Classics".

The band across the center of the sketch just screamed out "WIDE RIBBON" to me. I didn't have the extra wide ribbon I would like to have tried on this card, but I did have some nice Stitched Chocolate Chip Ribbon that works nicely. I layered a piece of 5/8"Real Red Grosgrain over top of it and wrapped it all the way around the front of the card. I colored the tree, trunk, and star with my markers and stamped them on Whisper White. After the ink dried I colored in the remainder of the tree with a lighter green marker (Mellow Moss). I added the sentiment to the bottom with the new Modern Label Punch. I wish you could see the corner of the layered image better. The Chocolate Chip and Summer Sun are squared off like usual, but the Garden Green on the bottom used the Ticket Corner. It makes for a cool effect on multiple layers.

All products can be ordered online at my Stampin' Up! Website. Click "shop now" in the upper right corner.

Stamps: Christmas Classics (111566)

Ink (markers): Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun

Cardstock: Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Modern Label Punch (116630), TicketCorner Punch (107214), Dimensionals, Chocolate Chip 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (111849), 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109052)

Tree Trimmings

One of the coolest things about Demonstrator Convention is the FREE STAMPS! This year one of the free sets given to everyone attending convention was "Tree Trimmings". When I first say the set in the catalog I thought it was cute and put it on my wish list. Now mind you, my wish list is incredibly long. Each time I place an order I look over my list and try to get the things that I like the most and need for upcoming events or holidays. "Tree Trimmings" was on there, but I am not sure it would have made it too the top of the charts and been selected for an order. I am glad that we got this one at convention. I might have missed out on a wonderful stamp set. It is so cute with so many possibilities.

I like to go through the SCS Sketch challenges every now and again for some new layout ideas. SC239 was just a couple of weeks ago. Too cute. It lent itself perfectly to this stamp set. I added the sentiment to the card by layering a number of great punches. The middle ornament is placed on dimensionals to give it some depth. I also embossed the two real red panels with my Big Shot and the Perfect Details Texturz Plate. For more great cards made with the same layout click here SC239. For more cards made with this stamp set click here "Tree Trimmings".

To order any of the products used to make this card, go to my Stampin' Up! website and click on "shop now" in the upper right corner.

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, All Holidays

Ink: Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Accessories: Dimensionals, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Large Oval Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Designer Label Punch, Paper Snips

Convention Swap Card #3

Today I have for you the third general swap card I made for convention. I am having a Christmas Stamp-A-Stack over the next few months and was hoping to get some great ideas at convention. This card was simple in plan, but was quite popular with others needing Christmas ideas.

The stamps are all from the same stamp set. To make the card pop, I stamped the sentiment three times. I cut out each layer and placed them up on dimensionals. All the colors are from the Rich Regal Color Family. You can get all of them separately or as a variety pack. You could easily step this card up further by adding glitter to the edges of the tree or even making the tiers of the tree pop up on dimentionals in the same fashion. I chose not to color in my tree, but have seen many wonderful examples from others who colored the tree a lighter shade than the stamped color.

All products used are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased at my website here. Simply click "shop now" in the upper right corner.

Stamps: Christmas Classics (111566)

Ink: Handsome Hunter, Rose Red, So Saffron

Cardstock: Handsome Hunter, Rose Red, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Accessories: 1/16th Punch (101227), Dimensionals (104430), Silver Brads (104336)

Convention Swaps

Here are two of the cards I made for convention. I made 310 cards total between the 6 different designs I had done. I made these two for general swaps. I got the most wonderful cards in return. As much as I liked the organized swaps I was in, it was fun to trade with people waiting in line for Momento Mall or classes. I only had 160 cards for general swapping and they went FAST. People were so nice and willing to trade with anyone.

The first card features the "Cheers to You" stamp set. There are some cute things you can do with this set. The different types of drink glasses in the set lend to many uses. I like the beer mug the best. It makes for a manely card. You could easily dress this us with some embossing on the foam with white embossing powder. Or cover the mug with some crystal effects. The ribbon here is tied in a knot and then wrapped around the sides of the lower panel. A simple hand torn edge gives it a nice look.

All products are SU! and can be ordered at my Stampin' Up! website here. Simply click "shop now" in the upper right coner.

Stamps: Cheers to You (144944)

Ink: Basic Black, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry (In Color Stampin' Write Marker/set of 6_116329)

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Assessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (109051)

The second card features the "Very Thankful" stamp set. This is the 2009-2010 stamp set to honor and help the Ronald McDonald House Charities. For each of these stamp sets you purchase SU! will donate $2.00 to RMHC. The stamp set also comes with the cutest little stick drawn child holding a "thank you" heart, an elegant peacock, and a "Thanks So Much" sentiment with four little flowers. It can be found inside the back cover of the current Idea Book & Catalog.

All products are SU! and can be ordered at my Stampin' Up! website here. Simply click "shop now" in the upper right corner.

Stamps: Very Thankful (115338)

Ink: Stazon Black (101406)

Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Real Red, Whisper White, Old Olive Designer Prints Paper(112160)

Accessories: Dimensionals, 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Stampin' Pastels (105542), Blender Pens (102845)

Stamping Idols

Over me years as a demo there are many people I have come to respect for their talent, humor, and opinion. Most of these people I know from SCS, but have never met in person. Until convention. The coolest thing happened. I was standing around, somewhat dancing (bobbing to the music), and still in shock from the fact I was actually at convention and the first session was about to begin. I was taking it all in and watching all the swapping going on. All of a sudden, someone noticed my SCS name tag. She made a comment, trying to figure out who I was. Little ole' me, nobody important....look over and whos nametag was in front of me.....JANTINK. For those of you who frequent SCS, you can imagine my excitement. At this point, I scared the ever living daylights out of this person. I was so flustered normal speech was not coming out of my mouth and I was in total crazy girl mode. I was talking a mile a minute and praising her for all she has contributed to the stamping world. I think I would have been no more looney had Brad Pitt been standing in front of me.

Jan was so wonderful. She is humble to say the least and is sort of used to people loosing their mind when they first meet her. I got to meet her upline and thanked her for bringing Jan's talent to SU! The next day I calmly went over to her and appologized for my craziness and asked to take a picture with her. I am still blushing at my loss of all control in meeting one of my Stamping Idols. These women have helped me develop my stamping ability over the last few years. If I ever get the chance to walk on the stage for my accomplishments, it will be because of the help they are so willing to give other SU! demos.

As said before, it was my first trip to convention. Each year I read the threads on SCS as people are reporting the convention happenings. It was so different to actually be there. One of my favorite parts of convention were the walks across stage. Some of them are for things all demos can achieve by just sticking around long enough. I look forward to walking when I officially reach my 5 year mark. But most of the walks are for achievments you WORK HARD for. These would be people who sell lots in one year, recruit new demos and have career sales that are HIGH. While waiting for the doors to open for general session on the last day, I bumped into Mary Polcin. Mary was the first demonstrator to reach career sales of $1 million for Stampin' Up! It may be years till I reach that kind of level, but it gave me something to reach for. When we took the picture I made a comment that the next picture I take with her will be on stage at a future convention. She said there was no reason that could not happen if I put my mind to it and I believe her. (I learned from my JanTink experience and did my best to not scare Mary)

I sat down for final session and made a list of my goals for this year. It is all I have been thinking about for a week now. I have been redeveloping my workshops, incentives, and business structure. If you want to help me acheive those goals through ordering Stampin' Up! products, hosting a workshop with a fun Stampin' Up! experience for you and your friends, or joining my growing team, let me know. I will be contacting many of my past customers, hostesses and friends, but would love to hear from new people who want to be a part of the great experience of Stampin' Up!

Click here to learn more about being a hostess

Click here to join my team. password "fastamper" Check out previous post for more information on the $85 mini starter kit from Stampin' Up!

Convention 2009

WOW! What fun last week was. I spent 4 glorious days in Salt Lake City, Utah at the convention for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. Though I have been a demonstrator for several years, it was my first year at convention. I learned so many things to incorporate into my business. But the best part was the excitement of all the people. Stampers meeting each other for the first time, meeting again from convention the year before, THE SWAPS, and all the cool things to look at.

I downloaded over 600 pictures to my computer today. Many of those were of the screen to remind me what they talked about. Lots more were of project samples they had to show us. Some though were of the great people I met.
I met my roommates for convention online. Just 4 people who needed someone to share the bill with. They were such great ladies and I hope we will all keep in touch over the years. Here we are on our last day just before we checked out of the hotel. I also had the pleasure to meet several people from the Stampin' Up! home office. It was fabulous how willing they were to talk with everyone. Though I didn't have the privilege of meeting our Founder Shelli Gardner (the waiting line was too long and cut off so she could get to her next event) here is a great photo of her on stage during opening session. She is so genuine and kind. It was humbling to see her break down in tears when she got to award the top demos and people she has know for the 20 years of the company.
I can't tell you how lucky I am to be a part of such a great company. They really care about the demonstrators. Two very nice ladies stayed after hours one day answering questions for me and taking down some suggestions I had for the future. They really truly cared, making sure to take down my name so they could get back to me in the future and tell me what the status of my suggestion was.

If you think you would like to be a part of a company that lets you run your business they way that fits best for you, and you want to make money doing what you love, let me know. I would be more than happy to share the Stampin' Up! Experience with you. This month is a great time to sign up. Stampin' Up! is running a mini starter kit special for only $85.00. The kit includes:

Item Code Page #* Description Retail Value**
115360 _118 For All You Do stamp set $28.95
115658 _155 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115656 _155 Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115659 _155 Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115654 _155 Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115655 _155 Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115657 _155 Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
100730 _155 Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.50
115315 _155 In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.95
*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog

**All products may be substituted for like items

You also receive all the business products needed to get started right away, including order forms and catalogs.

Believe me you will not be sorry for your decision to join the Stampin' Up! Family. You can make this a thriving business or join simply for the discount. The choice is yours. This offer is only good until August 31st, so don't delay.

As an added bonus, I will through in a set of In Color markers (or stamp set of $17.95 value) if you sign up with me before August 20th.

You can still choose the $199 regular starter kit. You can even sign-up online here. My password is "fastamper".

August Card Kit

In this kit, you'll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design shown above - so you will receive all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total.

You will also receive 2 additional full color samples of "alternative" cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit, as well as step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs.

Card Kit Price is just $15--that's 12 cards, plus envelopes for just $15!

Each month, the card kit also features both a Stamp Set of the Month and an Accessory of the Month. If you purchase the card kit, you may also purchase these items at 15% off!

August Featured Products:
§ For All You Do ($28.95) $24.61 with the purchase of the Card Kit
§ Flower Assortment Brads ($6.95) $5.91 with the purchase of the Card Kit

What else will you need? See the list below for items that were used to create the cards in this kit. If you already have everything--just buy the card kit and you are ready to create!

If you don't have everything--place a product order with your kit (don't forget about the discount on the "featured products!")

Or--you can use the card kit to create your own designs using other stamps and inks that you already have--the choice is yours!

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by August 12th. You will receive your kits by the end of the month.

Contact me to Order:
Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! If the kit needs to be shipped, there will be an extra $3 shipping charge.

Products you will need to complete cards as shown:
Pretty in Pink Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
Old Olive Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
So Saffron Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
White Gel Pen ($3.95)
Scallop Square Punch ($15.95)
1 ¼” Square Punch ($15.95)
1 ¼” Circle Punch ($15.95)
Mat Pack ($9.95)
Paper Piercer ($3.50)
Stampin’ Dimensionals ($3.95)
SNAIL Adhesive ($6.95)
Bone Folder ($6.95)
Paper Snips ($9.95)
For All You Do Stamp Set ($28.95) $24.61 with the purchase of the Card Kit
Flower Assortment Brads ($6.95) $5.91 with the purchase of the Card Kit