There is still time left to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration!!! 

Remember for every $50 (pre-tax) you spend you can choose from a selection in the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  For more information just click here.
Its easy to stock up on some staples like paper and adhesives or get a stamp set that compliments your current collection.  If you have questions please email me your contact information and I can walk you through purchasing step by step!  If your ready to order just click the link to my store on the right and its really easy to order online!

There are also some great additions that weren't in the original flyer for Sale-A-Bration.

The Giving Tree!

This stamp set should have been named the Giving Tree!

I am so in love the with the Stampin’ Up Sheltering Treestamp set.  Not only do I love the actual tree and it’s accessories but the sayings that come with it too.  Being the frugal person I am I love to stretch my dollar.  This stamp set fits the bill.

An example of the different cards I have created with the set are below.  

In April I am planning a class to create three different cards using this one stamp set.  We will be making 5 of each which totals 15 cards. 

In addition to making the 15 cards I will show you how to package it all up for a wonderful handmade gift.  This is by far my favorite teacher gift to give.  First it doesn't cost me much but my time and second I know they won't receive another just like it!

After the class I will be offering kits with instructions to make the cards.  So even if you are far away from Nashville you can quickly and easily create these unique handmade items.

I am always available for questions so feel free to drop me a note whenever you want!

Also don't forget the give away that you and a friend can pick three handmade cards from my Etsy Shop!  Go here for the give away and to enter.

Apologies!

I feel like I am doing a lot of apologizing lately.  I was under the weather, and by that I mean I don't remember two full days.  I am very thankful that I don't get fevers that often as a 103 fever is not in the realm of being fun!  Plus as a Mom and crafter so many things pile up, quickly!

Thankfully I am among the healthy now and am just nursing my hubby back from the same yuckiness!

With that being said, I promised a give away and here it is!

The winner and a friend will get to choose three cards each from my Etsy store! To enter you need a friend, doesn't have to be a good friend just someone who has a love of the handmade too.  Now do the two things below:

1. Have your friend comment on this blog post using your name. (That will link the two of you together.)
2. Both select to follow my blog

Bonus points if you start following me on Pinterest (make sure you let me know in your comments).

I will announce the winners on Sunday evening March 29th at 8pm.  The winner will be randomly selected (I won't play favorites).

I was working on a fun little spring card that I will be adding to my store so watch for that in the next couple of days.  If you are in the Nashville area, I am planning (or have on the books) two classes.  One centered around the Sheltering Trees Stamp set, my favorite set which I recommend to everyone!

We will be making three different cards, five of each card.  These can be used as a wonderful gift set or as the school year draws near a great teacher's gift.  I'll show you some fun creative ways to package them up!  I also plan on offering kits to make the cards on my store after the class so don't panic if you can't get to it.

The second class with be a Mother's Day/Father's Day card making class.  This will be focused on just two cards which you can make several of each but more about some fun techniques!

Follow along with me in my red truck as we have fun with paper crafting!
Hope everyone stays healthy and doesn't let the spring allergies overwhelm them!

I’m just starting out with stamping, what do I need to get me started?

I get this question a lot and if you have been intimidated to get your feet wet with stamping then you would be overwhelmed if I just handed you a catalog and said here let me know what you want!

In fact even though creativity literally runs through my blood and my dreams I was very much intimidated by this medium.  Here is a list of some items that will be sure to set you on the road to success as well as last you through years of stamping!

Stampin’ Scrub (Item # 126200 $16.95)

This item allows you to clean all your stamps; I have had mine for over 10 years and only recently starting using another.

Stampin’ Mist (Item#102394 $4.95) & Stampin Mist Refill (Item#101022 $9.50)

You spray one side of your stampin’ scrub pad leaving the other dry.  The solution cleans the ink off your stamps after stampin’ allowing you to use a different color immediately.  If you have ever stamped in the “olden days” then you will remember having to actually wash your stamps off and wait for them to dry.  This is so much better.

Clear Block Starter Bundle (Item 129851 $19.95)

I highly recommend the photopolymer stamps and/or the clear mount stamps.  These allow you to see through onto your stamping surface.  Once you select which stamp set you like then you will need these blocks.  They can be used over and over again. 

Stampin’ Up offers a clear block cleaning cloth which works wonderful however I use a diaper wipe which I will gush over the uses for in a different post!

Ink Pads & Paper

I love the Stampin’ Up ink pads & paper.  After years of stamping and paper crafting you start to figure out what you like to work with.  There are times that inexpensive lightweight paper is perfect.  In card making you want your card base to be sturdy.  You can’t beat the price or quality of their paper.  Additionally their ink pads take a beating but keep on giving.  I have had several sets of ink pads for well over 8 years now and they are still inking up my stamps.

With all that said I recommend choosing the ink pad and paper kits.  The Cardstock & Ink Pad Kits come in two different color themes.  They are a both $29.95 and you get 20 sheets of paper (4 in each color) and  5 ink pads.

The more Earth toned colored kit: #133673, and the pastel/bright color kit: #131204

If you purchased all the above, the total cost (without tax) would be $81.30.  Keep in mind, everything but the paper you will use every time you stamp!

Get a great starter kit now as it is Sale-A-Bration time which means free stuff!!!  Which means every time you order $50 worth of items you get a free product!  Just click the link at right or contact me and I will help you order!

Now it’s time to choose your stamps!  This is the most fun part!!! Stay tuned as I will post my favorites tomorrow!  Plus I’ll have a free giveaway to enter!