Creating, inspiring, and sharing pretty much sums up why I love this art of paper crafting and rubber stamping but at the heart of it all is really so much more...relationships.

The involvement in this craft and being part of Stampin' Up! has enriched my life with those I've met and the relationships and friendships that have developed because of it.

Most I have not ever met face to face but that does not matter.  What binds us is the desire and love to share and make a difference through our creativity. 

The card above was shared with me by a fellow stamper whom I met through a mutual friend.  Although we are separated now by miles, we are still joined through our love of the craft and Stampin' Up!

Here's the note I received via email along with the photo of this card:

It has been long over due, but I finally got a chance to get in my craft room! I've been working at Mothers Day Out and I needed Thank You's for all the sweet gifts my little ones gave me.

I thought to just buy Thank You's, but I couldn't...these little ones are special to me and I thought to make them and their parents a special Thank You!
With all that being said, I want to thank you for all your guidance over these 7 years and inspiring me! You have truly been a blessing to me....even many miles apart!

I receive these notes or calls or have conversations with so many of of you who tell me what a difference this craft has made in your life. 

And, you, dear friends and crafters, have enriched and made such a difference in mine. From my heart...thank you.

Keep on keeping on...Create. Inspire. Share.

Today's project features a peek at some of the new products from the 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog with a an easy tip for adding ribbon to your handmade cards.

Ribbon really adds a pretty touch to cards but bows and knots can make mailing difficult.  In this video tutorial, you'll see how to add the most luxurious of your ribbons without adding bulk.

Watch the video tutorial below or HERE on You Tube.  I'll give you some details on the new product used...can't wait for the new catalog to go LIVE on June 2nd.

Here's a look at the current product below...

Crazy About You Wood Bundle
$65.25

Crazy About You Clear Bundle
$54.25

Crazy About You Photopolymer Bundle
$42.25

Extended Cutting Big Shot Accessory Pads
$19.95

Big Shot Magnetic Platform
$39.95

Flower Medallion Punch
$16.95

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
$5.95

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$6.95

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

inklings:

• For ease in cutting, place a piece of wax paper (from your kitchen!) between the thinlit and the card stock when cutting with your Big Shot. 
• To attach the "hello" die cut, place the die cut face down on a non-stick surface (I use a Ranger Craft Sheet).  Apply SNAIL adhesive across the back of the die cut.  Lift and adhere. Excess SNAIL will wipe up easily.
• The new Stampin' Up! Catalogs debuts next week! Customers who have placed an order from me in the last six months will receive one FREE soon!  If you plan on purchasing Stampin' Up! from me and would like a catalog, call me at 409-719-2853!

Thank you for joining me for today's ribbon tip video tutorial for your handmade cards ...give it a try!

Blooms abound in the new Weekly Deal listing from Stampin' Up!  I had every intention of posting this information yesterday but we were on the road ALL day so after unpacking, it was snooze time for this gal!

Many of the Stampin' Up! specials this week are bursting with lively spring colors and floral themes.
Let's get an up close and personal look at each:

Aquamarine Colorbox Chalk Ink Pad
$4.46

Birthday Bash Designer Washi Sheets
$7.46

Build A Bouquet Project Kit
$18.71

Hello Honey 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Quilted Cotton Ribbon
$5.21

Large Kraft Grid Journal
$2.96

Painted Blooms Cotton Twine
$5.21

Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper
$8.21

Sweet Dreams Designer Buttons
$4.46

Yellow Citrus Colorbox Chalk Ink Pad
$4.46

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

At A Glance:

• New Paper Pumpkin Subscribers!!! SAVE 50% OFF your first two months! 
  --->PROMO CODE: SAVE50 Offer ends June 10th!
• Just a few more days to purchase Stampin' Up! Retiring Products...ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
• Need a new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog?
  Customers who have placed an order in the last six months will receive a FREE catalog from me in the next week.  If you have not yet ordered from me and are planning to do so, please e-mail me  with your name, address, and phone number.
  
• Do you receive my emails?  No?  Here's how to receive more ideas, tips, and first notice of specials...SIGN UP HERE!

I'll be back soon with some Sneak Peeks from the new catalog! Thanks for stopping by to check out the new Weekly Deals from Stampin' Up!

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Makeover Monday DIY Gift Card Holder- So Long, Starburst Sayings!

It's been a while since I've posted so you must know there's a good reason!  Most of you know that we will be first time grandparents in November.  This past week, we had all the family in town and enjoyed time with all!

In lieu of this week's Makeover Monday, I've decided to share our happiness with you!  For last week's Makeover Monday project HERE, you saw some little favors that I created for a Baby Gender Reveal.   Of course, since we had our girls 30 years ago, this was all new for us...but, it sure was a LOT of fun and so exciting!

Our daughter and her mother in law prepped this box and it was ready for us to deliver to Party City with the sealed envelope along with the bloodwork results which revealed the gender.  The parents to be wanted to be surprised, too!

Our oldest daughter did a great job decorating and organizing this family event.  Lots of pink and blue decor and foods.

Here are the mommy and daddy-to-be before the guests arrived. 

Then, finally, the big moment...and, it's a ...

GIRL!

We are so excited to meet baby Lyla Rose in November! 

Thank you for allowing me to share a little glimpse into our grandbaby gender reveal!  I'll be back tomorrow with some new Weekly Deals!

Watch the video above to see the fun and simple Paper Pumpkin paper crafting kit that subscribers received this month!  Wonder what the surprise will be next month?  You can try it now for 50% off!

Try a Paper Pumpkin paper crafting kits subscription at 50% off for 2 months! New subscribers only. Offer ends June 10th! Get the details HERE!

inklings:

• Paper Pumpkin is an "everything you need in one little box" paper crafting kit. --I usually tuck some scissors in the box to cut and trim ribbon or twine that comes with the kit.
• Paper Pumpkin is a great kit to take when traveling, waiting for the kids at practice, or to assemble while watching TV...you get the idea. :)
• Paper Pumpkin kits have an exclusive, FULL photopolymer set included each month...and, can you say adorable and awesome??!!
• Paper Pumpkin is a wonderful surprise every month!
• Need to skip a month?  No problem...you log in to your site and indicate so before the 10th of each month.
• Paper Pumpkin not for you?  Can't imagine that!...but you can cancel at any time!

Give these fun and simple paper crafting kits at try! 

Stampin' Up! Paper Pumpkin, 50% off for the first two months through June 10, 2015, HERE with Promo Code: SAVE50!

The new list of Weekly Deals from Stampin' Up! contains some really fun Chalkboard paper and chalk ink that you should definitely give a try! You can see some project samples featuring these products HERE  and HERE.

There are some great designer paper prints and other accessories on sale this week, too! Let's take a look at each of these items below. For a closer look, click the link to visit the Online Store.

Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper
$9.71

Bright & Beautiful Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$18.71

Chalkboard Paper
$5.96

Maritime Designer Series Paper
$8.21

Rose Coral Colorbox Chalk Ink Pad
$4.46

Spring Flowers Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$5.96

Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper Stack
$5.21

Stacked With Love Designer Washi Tape
$3.71

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

inklings:

• The cutest crafting kits ever! Great to take to ball practice or the pool while the kids play! First two months 50% off of Paper Pumpkin!  Find out more HERE!
• Many discounted items are still available on the Retiring Products List.  See what's available here...while supplies last!
• Need a new catalog?  My Preferred Customers, those who have ordered in the last six months, will be receiving their  FREE catalogs in the mail next week. Not a current customer and plan to shop with me? E-mail me with your address and phone number and I'll call you and let you know how to get one.

Thanks for stopping by to see the latest specials from Stampin' Up! and I'll see you again soon!

It's going to be an exciting week in our family with our first grandbaby gender reveal coming up next weekend!

I've been having so much fun planning these little easy little paper craft favors to dress up the table.  The little onesie from the Baby's First Framelits can be "dressed up" for boy or girl.  I decided to keep it simple and used some of the retiring papers from my stash in Strawberry Slush and Tempting Turquoise Prints.

The original project was a Fourth of July favor.  The orientation is changed but it's still just the right size for a Ghirardelli Chocolate Square!  Instead of tying the ribbon, you can also staple it closed while securing the ribbon and providing the closure.  The chocolate square can be slipped in and out of the favor packet.

Let's take a look at the video tutorial below for the details or you can catch it on my You Tube channel HERE.

For your convenience, here's the list of available Stampin' Up! product used on these baby gender reveal favors.  You can substitute Melon Mambo for the Strawberry Slush.

Baby's First Framelits Die
$24.95

Brights Backgrounds Designer Series Paper Stack
$21.95

Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$6.95

Tempting Turquoise 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$6.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$8.50

Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack
$16.95

Rhinestone Basic Jewels Embellishments
$4.95

Liquid Multipurpose Glue
$3.95

Melon Mambo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon
$5.95

White 1-1/4" (3.2 Cm) Jute Ribbon
$8.95

Handheld Stapler
$9.95

Silver Mini Staples
$3.95

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

Here's the lot ready for the chocolate that I dare not purchase too early! 

Try using this easy paper craft favor idea for your next party or celebration!  I'll be sure to let you know the results of the gender reveal and appreciate you joining me for this special edition of Makeover Monday!

Right now new Paper Pumpkin subscribers can skip to the fun for less! Get 50% off your first two months of Paper Pumpkin when you sign up by June 10. Go to PaperPumpkin.com and use promo code: SAVE50. 

After your first two months, keep the creativity coming for just $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included). Each month a fully designed project kit will arrive at your door with stamps, ink, and paper—everything cut and ready to go. 

It’s commitment-free! You can suspend your membership at any time. So, go on, sign up for Paper Pumpkin. You’ll love it—we guarantee it!

Fine Print:

(For new subscribers only, not valid on prepaid subscriptions. Discount applied to one kit per month for the first two months of a new subscription. Offer ends June 10, 2015 at 11:50 pm (MT).)

Signing Up is super easy!

• Click Here to Sign Up!
• Click Subscribe.
• Enter SAVE50 for Promo Code
• Check out! 

I am off to work on my latest kit now!  Don't miss out! Sign up at PaperPumpkin.com by June 10 with promo code SAVE50!

You could be stamping with the Ink and Inspirations Stars this week as they receive the video tutorial for this cute box using the retiring Mixed Bunch set from Stampin' Up!

We would love to have you stampin' with the Stars! I am honored to be the leader of this group;  a community of fun and enthusiastic group of paper crafters who are both hobby and business stampers from across the U.S.

My Stars team receives access to an exclusive projects and video tutorials created especially for the Stars' private blog!  These projects are inspiration for their personal use, stamp clubs, classes, or simply inspiration for their own projects.

Become a member of Stampin' Up! and our community, the Ink and Inspirations Stars with the purchase of the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for only $99! Customize your kit with products you love up to $125 in value with FREE SHIPPING!

As an Ink and Inspirations Stars Team Member, you will receive:

• Personal support from me via email and/or phone.
• Access to our private Team Facebook Group exclusively for members of the Ink and Inspirations Stars with news, support, and sharing of ideas!
• Access to the Stars' private team blog with project ideas and video tutorials posted each month!
• Team recognition and incentives!
• Advice and support to help make your Stampin’ Up! experience what YOU want it to be!

If you'd like to learn more about becoming part of our group, you may e-mail me or call me at 409-719-2853.

Or, if you're ready to become part of our group, CLICK HERE.

We'd love to have you as part of the Ink and Inspirations Stars family!

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Easy Technique Video Tutorial for This Stampin' Up! Handmade Card

Bravo for the 2015 graduating guys with this gift card holder with a masculine touch! The more feminine version of this project was featured earlier this week for my Makeover Monday project.

This card is decked out with the Adventure Abound Designer Paper Stack from the 2015 Occasions Catalog and the Bravo Photopolymer Set from the 2014-2015 Annual Catalog.

Be sure to take a look at the how-to video HERE then see the supplies used on this masculine version below.

Bravo Photopolymer Stamp Set
$25.95

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$6.95

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
$5.95

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad
$5.95

Gorgeous Grunge Wood Stamp Set
$24.95

Gorgeous Grunge Clear Stamp Set
$17.95

Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack
$4.48

Linen Thread
$4.50

Basics Hodgepodge Clips
$3.48

Stampin' Dimensionals
$3.95

Starburst Framelits Die
$26.95

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

inklings:

• The Starburst Framelits are on the 2015 Retiring Products List...while supplies last!  Love these!
• Try stamping your main images or sentiments on Crumb Cake or other light neutral card stock.  Really makes a manly statement!
• This is a smaller than standard size card (see the video) so you can let your embellishments extend beyond the card front.

Do you make your own gift card/ cash holders for graduation gifts?  I hope you can use this idea for graduates or other gift giving occasion.  Thank you for checking in to see the masculine version of the 2015 Graduate gift card holder...see you again soon!

Today's handmade card project features another of the Stampin' Up! 2015 retiring stamp sets that will be dearly missed, Stippled Blossoms. 

This has been my go-to product for creating gift set of cards for family and friends.  It's versatile and any rubber stamper can produce beautiful cards with this Two Step Stamping set.

Let's take a look at the assembly of this card idea with a few tips that I hope will help you in your card making.  You may watch below or HERE on You Tube.

Here's my supply list for this handmade card:

Stippled Blossoms Wood Stamp Set
$26.95

Stippled Blossoms Clear Stamp Set
$18.95

Sahara Sand 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$6.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$8.50

Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pad
$5.95

Linen Thread
$4.50

Antique Brads
$5.95

Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad
$7.50

Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
$4.95

Something Borrowed Designer Series Paper
$10.95

Sahara Sand 7/8" (2.2 Cm) Lace Trim
$6.95

Tea Lace Paper Doilies
$2.95

2-1/2" Circle Punch
$16.95

Chalk Talk Framelits Die
$12.59

Modern Label Punch
$16.95

Large Oval Punch
$15.95

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

The Stippled Blossoms stamp set is beautiful and you will love it! See more samples on these blog posts:

• Gift Sets
• Thank You Card
• Note Card Gift Sets

Shop now while this beautiful set is still available and be sure to take a look at all the 2015 retiring sets and products from Stampin' Up!

Each Tuesday,  there are some amazing weekly deals released by Stampin' Up! 

This week, my favorite is great for journaling, sketching, note taking, and doodling!  It's a perfect little notebook to tuck in your purse and can be "dressed up" with stamps, inks, and embellishments as a nifty little gift.  Be sure to take a look at the Kraft Grid Journals...$3.71 for a set of 2!  These are on the retirement list and won't last long at this price!

Below is a one-on-one look at all of the specials...simply click the links below for more details in my Stampin' Up! Online Store.

2014-2016 In Color Stampin' Write Markers
$11.21

Fun Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$6.71

Gold 5/8" Satin Ribbon
$5.21

Hexagon Punch
$11.96

Kraft Grid Journal
$3.71

Lullaby Designer Series Paper
$8.21

Sticky Strip
$5.21

Wild Wasabi 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
$5.21

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

Be sure to check the all of Retiring Stampin' Up! Products HERE in the Online Store!  These great products won't be available much longer so let me know if I can help you!

Today's Makeover Monday gift card holder features this "much-loved-by-me" Starburst Sayings Bundle that is on the 2015 Stampin' Up! Retiring Products list.

If you are a regular follower of this blog, you'll remember this post from a few days back with some of the past creations of this Starburst Sayings set.

Since you'll most likely be receiving invitations from 2015 Graduates in the days ahead, here's an idea for a gift card holder that can also hold a bit of cash, if you prefer!

See the original video below or HERE on my You Tube channel.

These Starburst Framelits are adorable!  I love those spiky edges!

Want the stamp set and the framelits? Purchase the bundle to save! 

Let's take a look at the Stampin' Up! product list below where these framelits, designer paper, and Basic Hodgepodge Clips are available while supplies last!  Click on the links below for details!

Starburst Sayings Wood Stamp Set
$19.46

Starburst Sayings Clear Stamp Set
$16.11

Starburst Framelits Die
$26.95

Starburst Sayings Wood-Mount Bundle
$44.95

Starburst Sayings Clear-Mount Bundle
$38.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
$8.50

Lullaby Designer Series Paper
$10.95

Basics Hodgepodge Clips
$3.48

Painted Blooms Cotton Twine
$6.95

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

Later in the week, I'll be sharing a masculine version of this gift card holder so be sure to visit!

In the meantime, see all of the Retiring Products including the Starburst Sayings Bundle in the HERE while still available!

It's a Mega Paper Pumpkin Deal and there are less than 12 hours left!

New subscribers can sign up for just $5  (shipping included) for their first month!
Go to PaperPumpkin.com and enter promo code 24HOURS.
Hurry--this offer expires TONIGHT at 6:50 PM (MT).
Best time to join EVER! 

The Fine Print:

For new subscribers only, not valid on prepaid subscriptions. Discount applied to one kit for the first month of a new subscription. Offer ends May 9, 2015 at 6:50 PM (MT).
After the first month, the fun will continue for just $19.95  a month (shipping included). 

Only a few more hours to take advantage Mega Paper Pumpkin Deal...go there now!  CODE: 24HOURS

My favorite product on the Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals list this week is the super duper Gift Box Punch Board.  It's a great addition to your paper crafting tool line and comes in handy whenever you need a custom box for a little gift.

Here's the complete list for your perusal.  Just click the links below for more details or to shop!

1/16" Circle Handheld Punch
$6.71

1/8" Circle Handheld Punch
$6.71

2" Circle Punch
$12.71

Gift Box Punch Board
$14.96

Gold Baker's Twine
$2.63

Soft Sky 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
$5.21

Sweet Taffy Designer Series Paper
$8.21

Wisteria Wonder 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
$5.21

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

Going, Going, Almost Gone!!!

Be sure to check the Retiring Items HERE in the Online Store!  These great products won't be available much longer so let me know if I can help you!