Yamstamps.com - Linda's Stamping Blog

Quick Valentine's Treat Box

This box is so cute - and it's the perfect size for a sweet treat for your Valentine.  I used the Big Shot and the Bitty Box and Envelope Bigz XL Die.  The heart uses the full heart punch and Red Glimmer Paper. On the Whisper White cardstock I used the heart strip from the Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.  The sentiment is from the Sale-a-Bration set Outlined Occasions, and you can select this as a free item with every $60 merchandise order.

I loved how easy this was to create!

Here's the inside of the box:

 

I used the Small Heart punch with the Red Glimmer paper; stamp is from the same set, and I coloured it in using my blender pen, picking up Cherry Cobbler ink from the inside of the ink pad lid. I like using the blender pen for tone on tone colouring because the shade matches but you can still see the outlined image.  Two Ghirardelli chocolate squares fit perfectly inside. A sweet treat!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Recognize this card layout??!!

This is a card that I created very quickly - inspired by the framed art that was shown in one of the displays at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership (picture/post is here). In the stamping world, this is known as "CASE"ing - Copy and Stamp Everything (or copy and steal/share - pick your verb....I prefer the stamp verb!). Anyway, this is not anything new in the grahic layout world, but it is a layout that is used often and with success because it's so visually appealing & effective! (at least in my opinion!).

I used the Fashionable Hearts embosslit and the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder in my Big Shot, along with Whisper White, Crumb Cake and Real Red cardstocks. Love the effect :)

My Inbox Inspiration Program will be launching next week so stay tuned for more details! In the meantime, I'll be sure to continue posting different "Love"ly cards that you can CASE and give to the special people in YOUR life!

Lifelong Learning, Stampin' Up! Style

They say that one of the best ways to keep sharp is to keep learning new things.  At Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference, there were lots of choices in classes to attend to hear about different topics to help demonstrators in their businesses. (Don't worry, there's also a crafty sample at end of this blog post!)

One class I attended was "Why Women Buy" presented by Carrie Cudney who highlighted habits and trends amongst female purchasers vs. male purchasers. A slide she used to show some differences cracked me up:

 

The theory is that the female is looking for "the" perfect pair of pants, while often men will settle for "a" pair of pants; the female is often also shopping for other things and other people at the same time, therefore needs to look around at more stores!

Now, for those of you who have attended workshops or classes with me previously, there's no need to fear that I'll become a hard sell, marketing machine now - I'll just be working harder to help you find "the" solution for your crafting needs (vs. "a" solution!!).

I also attended a class on "Coaching For Performance" by Natalie White and Jim Pitt, which concentrated on how to help others come up with goals and plans to meet them. I do try to do this with demonstrators who are signed up with me, but this was a more organized/formal way of approaching it. I will also be doing this for myself to help me focus on my goals and the plans to reach those goals!

"Retaining and Engaging Your Downline" by Donna Griffith and Patsy Waggoner (a US Stampin' Up! demonstrator) provided some practical tips to keep my team of demonstrators active and acknowledged, so that they can continue to reap the benefits of having a source of income plus a creative outlet.  I plan on using some of these ideas at my upcoming demonstrator meetings and throughout the year!

Of course, we also receive lots of crafty inspiration and ideas too! Here's more samples using the Fashionable Hearts Embosslit (guess what was on my order that just went in for Sale-a-Bration?! LOL).  I love the framed artwork - so simple but so effective and perfect for any time of year - not just Valentine's Day.

My next card class is on Wednesday, February 1st at 7pm here in Burlington and the theme is "Love"-ly cards. We'll be doing a card suitable for Valentine's Day, but all four cards will be designed to be given to someone you care about at any time of year!  Cost is $20 and includes all supplies including adhesive and envelopes. Please contact me to register. Space is limited.

Stampin' Up!'s new Framelits Dies - Video

Curious about the new framelits dies in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalogue? Here's a video showing more about them!

Click here if you can't see the embedded video. Contact me if you have any questions!

Stocking Card for Christmas

I love the Big Shot Stocking Die that Stampin' Up! carries - so perfect for this time of year!  This is a card made with that die.  I cut out two Cherry Cobbler stockings (at the same time), then embossed the Whisper White cardstock using the Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder.  I then cut out the toe and heel with the die and the cuff as well. For the cuff, I folded the cardstock in half, then made sure that the fold was inside the cutting area for the cuff, so it didn't get cut off. With the fold intact, it holds this card together!  One hint if you're going to re-create this card - if you fold the embossed cardstock with the good (puffy) side in before die cutting, it won't "crack" along the fold line as it may if you fold the other way. Ask me how I figured this one out...LOL.

Hope these last few days of preparation for Christmas aren't too crazy for you!  Today's the last mailing for the 12 Weeks of Christmas for those on my email list so see you in your inbox a little later today.

Remember!

Just a friendly reminder to turn your clock back one hour before going to sleep tonight!  I much prefer the "falling back" vs. "springing forward" as I always feel like I'm so productive when I get up "early" the next day LOL. Gives me an extra hour to make sure I've got everything packed for Carolanne's workshop on Sunday - and gives YOU an extra hour to contemplate being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator with my team! The free Big Shot with your starter kit purchase has been extended to November 11th.  If you'd like to discuss what's involved in becoming a demonstrator (hint....not that much LOL) contact me!

Stampin' Up! extends the Big Shot promotion!

Just found out that Stampin' Up! has decided to extend the Big Shot promotion until November 11th - so you have a few more days to realize what a great deal this is...LOL.  Please contact me if you'd like to start your business with a BANG!

It would be scary to miss out!

A quick reminder that the end of October is drawing near.  If you are sitting on the fence about either of the Stampin' Up! specials this month, you only have a few days if you'd like to take advantage - don't miss out!  The Simply Sent promotion ends on Hallowe'en, as does the starter kit free Big Shot promotion (or as I like to call it "The ultimate business builder's tool!!"). Please contact me ASAP if you'd like more information - nothing scarier than regrets?!

Happy October! Free Big Shot for your new Stampin' Up! Business!

Wow, with a new month, comes new specials! This October, sign up as a demonstrator with my group and you can receive a Big Shot with your starter kit - or choose $125 of Stampin' Up! product in ADDITION to all the great business and crafting items in the starter kit. What a fantastic way to get your business off to a quick start!

Want to learn more? There's many ways to do this - you could click here to read more or click here to email me.  I am holding my monthly Opportunity Evening on Wednesday, October 19th at 7pm in Burlington ON. There's no charge to attend and it won't take up all your evening! The only requirement is to please let me know you'll be there!  If you aren't able to attend, we can make arrangements to meet up or chat at another time.  I have demonstrators from across Canada in my group, so you don't have to be local to me to take advantage of this opportunity.  Of course, if you're ready to get started, you can just sign up here - click on "Join Now"!

 

Island Floral Card

I have to admit, there are some cards that I like more than others, and this is one of them. I particularly like this one because while it looks involved, it's really quite easy! (That's my specialty I think....cards that aren't too hard to make, but look difficult!!)

Anyway - this card uses the Island Floral Bigz die for the Big Shot for the focal floral accessory.  By sponging the edges of the cardstock, I think it adds an extra depth.  The gold glimmer brad holds the die cuts together (there's a hole in the centre of them) and adds a bit of bling.  Love the Lace Ribbon Border punch - one of my new favourites, I think!  Plus tone on tone stamping of En Francais makes the background a little more interesting.

I think you will also LOVE the Christmas card that I came up with using this die as well!! Thanks to the sharp eyes of a club member, Jo-Ann, I was able to visualize this floral die being used in a whole new way.  If you want to see what became of that observation, be sure to be signed up for my newsletter!  Newsletter subscribers will be receiving my Twelve Weeks of Christmas as a special "thank you" for being part of my email list - each week brings a new card, wrap or gift idea to make your holiday season a little more crafty!  Sign up HERE or click below to be sure that you won't miss out - it starts OCTOBER 5th - ONE WEEK TODAY!!

	Don't Miss the 12 Weeks of Christmas! Sign up here!

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