Club Projects – Jan & Feb June 6, 2009
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The weather in January was just awful! I tried twice to schedule the club gathering but the plows couldn’t keep up and the hostess couldn’t even get down her block. For the first time ever, the club gathering was canceled.
One of the projects that I had planned for the club I was able to incorporated into the Valentine Stamp Camp. Here is the other one that no one else got to make.
The butterfly is two-step stamping with the aid of the Stamp-a-ma-jig. The cloud background is from a self-made template cut from cardboard and sponged along the edge.
Stamp Set: Flight of the Butterfly
Card Stocks: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Inks: Pretty in Pink, Lavender Lace, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sponge
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Valentine Stamp Camp
First, the project that was originally planned for the club members.
I think that punches have to be my favorite accessories since I use them all the time, and I snatch up new ones as soon as they become available. The Heart to Heart punch is three heart shapes in one punch. Awesome!
I love how so many of the striped papers work so well for a wainscot look. It makes designs come together so easily.
Stamp Set: Love You Much
Card Stocks & Papers: Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Candy Lane Designer Paper
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red,
Accessories: Heart to Heart punch, Word Window punch
I found a pattern at the demonstrator portion of the Stampin’ Up! site that was a fun twist for a box. We simplified the bottom flaps and rounded the corners on the top of the back.
Stamp Set: Love You Much
Card Stocks: Pretty in Pink
Inks & Marker: Basic Black, Real Red, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Pink Pirouette Grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, 1/8″ Circle punch, Corner Rounder, Paper Cutter & Scoring Blade, Sticky Strips, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Small Cello Bag, Candy, Shred
The Faux Postage technique is one that I have wanted to teach for several years. It was so fun to finally share it. The key to this technique is the 1-Line Correction Tape which can be challenging to find. The 2-Line version is available at all office supply places but is a bit too wide. We also used the Fiskar’s Postage Stamp Scissors to complete the design.
Stamp Set: Dreams du Jour, Holidays & Wishes
Card Stocks: Whisper White, Lavender Lace, Rose Red, Regal Rose Textured
Inks & Markers: Stazon Black, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace, Rose Red, Basic Black
Accessories: Post-It 1-Line Correction Tape, Sponges, Paper Piercing Tool & Guide, Fiskar Stamp scissors
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February was the start of Sale-a-bration, the great sale that we look forward to every year. This year’s offerings included a great pack of Designer Papers and a Ribbon Bundle that I featured in this first project. Nothing is better than free supplies!
This is a decorative wrap for a package of microwave popcorn. It is a fun way to dress up a simple gift to say “thank you” or “thinking of you.”
Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day (saying)
Card Stocks & Papers: Whisper White, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Delicate Dots Designer Paper
Inks: Bashful Blue
Accessories: Key Tag punch, 1/16″ Circle punch, Certainly Celery Polytwill ribbon, Natural Hemp, Sticky Strips, Microwave Popcorn
I was overdue to show the ease of the Decor Elements. For this project, the gals selected which color flower they preferred and attached it to a glass votive holder. It was a challenge only in the fact that the surface was curved instead of flat. I showed the candy holder as another project idea. These could be delightful easy gifts to share.
If you are flipping through the Decor Elements brochure looking for this fun flower, you won’t find it. This was offered only to demonstrators. Another one of our many great perks.
Supplies: Decor Element Flower in Rose Red or Chocolate Chip; Applicator Tool; Votive Candle Holder
Club Projects – Nov & Dec June 4, 2009
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It’s stretching back a bit but here are the Stampers Club projects that the gals made in November.
This design was so simple to assemble. The base card is 6 x 6 folded in half. This size fits in the Small Open-End Envelopes that the gals also decorated. Glitter was added to the felt snowflake for some pizzaz.
Stamp Set: Holiday Collection (from the Country Living Holiday Collection Kit)
Card Stocks & Papers: Whisper White, Ski Slope Designer Paper
Inks: Chocolate Chip / On Evelope – Baja Breeze or Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Large Felt Flurries, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive
Using more supplies from the Country Living Holiday Collection Kit, the gals selected one of the gift tag designs to make. The chipboard and designer papers were already die-cut to match up. Both sides of the chipboard were covered with designer paper – some matched, some didn’t. I pre-colored the small rectangular chipboard with the Whisper White Craft Ink so it would have time to dry.
Stamp Set: Holiday Collection
Papers & Chipboard: from the Country Living Holiday Collection Kit
Inks: Basic Black, Craft White
Accessories: Sanding Blocks, Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive, Crop-a-dile (for punching hole), Silver Cord
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Moving on, here are the projects from December. Since it was almost Christmas, I focused on designs using items that were on special that month and showcasing fresh techniques.
I’m always drawn to different ways to use items such as turning the Vanilla Hardware into a decorative frame.
Stamp Set: Bella’s Bloom
Card Stocks & Papers: Very Vanilla, Handsome Hunter, Bella Rose Designer Paper
Inks & Markers: Riding Hood Red, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Blender Pen (to remove ink from rubber), Large Oval punch, Designer Label punch, Vanilla Tafetta ribbon, Silver cord, Daubers, Stampin’ Dimensionals
There are several ways to create a reflection but this has to be the simplest. Stamp your main image. Stamp it again on wax paper. Flip the wax paper over (ink toward card stock) and align below the main image. Carefully rub the wax paper to transfer the ink to the card stock. Done! The reflected image will be softer and somewhat blurred but that’s perfect for water reflections.
Stamp Set: Summer by the Sea
Card Stocks: Confetti White, Baja Breeze
Inks: Basic Black, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun, Pacific Point, Creamy Caramel, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Wax Paper, Aqua Painter, Distressing Tool (for card stock edges)
The gals also got to help decorate my house by applying the Snowflake Decals to my windows and mirrors. It was quite festive here and they got to take some Decals home for themselves.
June Specials June 3, 2009
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I have updated the Specials page and the Catalogs page at the blog to include all the current products and sales. Rather than go into all the details, it would be easiest for you to simply click on the page links and check it all out. Here are just some highlights . . .
We are approaching a big catalog transition. The 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog is ending on June 30, along with the current selection of In Colors. On July 1 the 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog will debut. Stampin’ Up! is returning to a single large catalog for a year, with 3 Mini Catalog offering throughout the year.
The Occasion Mini Catalog also ends June 30. You don’t want to miss out on any of these great stamps and accessories.
A new Decor Elements Brochure will begin on July 1. Several of the current designs and/or color options will retire and they are now 25% off until June 30.
Stampin’ Up! will be offering a new set of In Colors in the new catalog (sneak peek coming soon). Therefore, everything with the current In Colors will retire. So, Stampin’ Up! has already announced all retiring accessories. Many are on sale at 25% or 50% off! These accessories are now only available while supplies last. Be sure to go to the Online Ordering site through my web site (Shop Now button). Click on Specials, then the 50% and 25% buttons for pictures of all the sale items.
Personal Update May 28, 2009
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Wow! It is hard to believe that it has been five months since my last posting. So much has been happening that the blog got pushed to the background for way too long.
This winter was tough. The weather in January was terrible and it forced me to reschedule then cancel the Stampers Club gathering. I then tried twice to offer a New Catalog Open House with only one person attending each event.
In February one of our cats, Rascal, got sick, again. With the first round of this illness last November, we learned that the cat weighed 26.5 pounds, making him severely overweight. He has been on a diet for months, and trust me, cats don’t understand diets, making it quite challenging to deal with feeding time for him and the other two cats. Thankfully, the illness is not too serious and very treatable. However, it caused a lot of disruption for several weeks, especially after the cat peed on the bed (due to the illness) ruining an electric blanket and a foam mattress topper. My husband and I didn’t sleep well for weeks while I searched local stores and online for replacements. All of the cats are now banned from the bedroom, permanently.
During March and April there were many shows at Chenery Auditorium that I needed to work. More recently, we have been preparing the Auditorium for the next phase of major renovations. If you drive by, you can see the construction company preparing outside for the huge transformation that will take place inside. The work begins 2 days after the last program in June and will continue through the fall programs until sometime next March. I truly enjoy my continued involvement in theatre but during some months it takes up a lot of my time and energy.
This winter I also got more proactive in trying to improve my health. I went through a few months of physical therapy for both my neck and my knees to try to live more pain-free and drug-free. Over a year ago, I started going to an aqua aerobics class and continue to be pretty consistent with participating three times per week.
Then in May, Rascal had round three of his illness. Ugh! On the bright side, he has lost 2 pounds. With a few more pounds gone, we shouldn’t have to worry about him getting sick again. We hope!
I realize this spring that my husband and I have not done any real home improvement projects in about three years. Some of them are way overdue. One of my priority changes is to spend more time on the house and with my hubby.
WHEW! No wonder I haven’t found much time for all my stamp-related activities! But don’t fret, I still love stamping and sharing.
The Stampers Club has met each month and is scheduled to continue through this November (new folks are welcome to join anytime, hint, hint). 
With this group of ladies I share tons of techniques and ideas, they make many fun projects, and each gal gets a turn as hostess, earning lots of free goodies. One of my favorites new toys, I mean tools, is the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine which I have featured in several projects. I plan to share pictures of past club projects in upcoming postings.
What about classes and other stamping events? Between the weather (a big factor), working at Chenery Auditorium, and my continuing limited energy, it was too difficult during the past few months to add any more activities. But as the season at Chenery ends for the summer and the weather continues to improve, I am excited to offer more events.
I also decided several months ago that I will not be attending the Stampin’ Up! Convention this summer. After eight conventions in a row, I need a break financially and time-wise. While I know that I will miss out on many cool things, I also won’t need to spend weeks preparing swaps and planning the trip. This should leave more time for planning events for you.
Since I am just getting back into the blog, I have a lot of updating to do on the Special page, adding samples and events, and more. It will take some time but I hope to stay more in touch throughout the summer.
While you may not hear from me often, I am around and always happy to hear from you. As always, you are welcome to call or email me with questions.
Happy Stamping!
Shannon
Valentine Stamp Camp January 24, 2009
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Stamp away the winter blues with a flurry of reds and pinks. Join me for the
Valentine Stamp Camp
Sunday, February 1
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
523 Charlotte Avenue, Kalamazoo
Class Fee is $10.00 and can be paid at the class.
Usher in the Valentine holiday with 3 fun projects. We will make 2 cards, incorporating faux postage & new punches, and a nifty treat holder. This is an instructional style class where everyone will be making each project together so, please plan to arrive at 2:00. Please contact me by Thursday, January 27 to reserve your spot.
Here is a sneak peek at one of the cards. It uses the new stamp set, Love You Much, which is part of the Love You Much Bundle, available only until January 31.
Open House – Take 2 January 18, 2009
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Since the weather turned bad, again, on Saturday, I am going to try once more for the Open House & Mini Flea Market.
OPEN HOUSE & MINI FLEA MARKET
Monday, January 19
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
523 Charlotte Avenue, Kalamazoo
The new Stampin’ Up! 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog is here! You can look through it and the new brochures. If you would like your own copy of the catalog, it’s just $5.00 and you’ll receive a coupon for a free ink pad with your first purchase.
There are also still plenty of items available at the Flea Market – stamp sets, ink pads, designer papers, templates, magazines, eyelets, buttons, catalog covers, mono adhesive refills, and even a few beanie babies (as I begin to reduce my collection).
Hope you can stop by!
Last Call! January 17, 2009
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This is the final call to order any of the retiring stamp sets or accessories from the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog.
Only a handfull of items are sold out. Here is the updated retiring accessories list.
Last chance for the Inventory Blowout Sale and the Fall/Winter Sampler Sale, too.
Contact me by 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 18 to place your order.
Open House & Mini Flea Market January 17, 2009
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FALL/WINTER FAREWELL & FLEA MARKET
Saturday, January 17
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Shannon’s house – 523 Charlotte Avenue, Kalamazoo
The Fall/Winter Farewell Open House is an opportunity to:
- purchase retiring items from the 2008 Fall/Winter Catalog
- order items from the Inventory Blowout Sale
- look through card samples and other ideas that I brought back from the last convention
- stock up on Mono Adhesive refills for just $2.50 each
- pick up the new 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog for just $5.00
- get a catalog cover to protect your catalog for just $2.00
- sign up for upcoming classes (to be announced soon)
- take advantage of the savings on the Love You Much Bundle
- visit with me, and more!
Did you catch the update from above – pick up the new catalog? That’s right, the new catalogs have arrived and are ready for you to start perusing. Plus, I have the new Decor Elements Brochures, with twice the offerings. And you can get ready for Sell-a-bration, which starts February 1, with your own copy of the Sell-a-bration Mini Catalog.
There will also be a flea market for purchasing retired Stampin’ Up! products and other crafting items, at bargain prices! This is a smaller version of my summer flea market but with many new offerings, and priced to go!
Tons of great deals! Be sure to stop by!
Retiring Update January 8, 2009
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I have updated the Retiring Accessories list and several other items on the Specials Page. Be sure to stop by there often over the next two weeks for updates on Retiring Accessories, and soon, a sneak-peek at what’s coming for Sell-a-bration!
Retiring Accessories and More! January 7, 2009
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As Stampin’ Up! prepares to launch the new 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog, they have announced several items that will retire from the current 2008 Fall/Winter Catalog.
For the list of retiring Stamp Sets – alphabetical or by page number. These will be available through January 18, 2009.
For a list of retiring Accessories, including wheels – here. These items are only available while supplies last. I will update this list every few days. Out of stock items will be marked off on the list.
INVENTORY BLOWOUT!
We all love sales and Stampin’ Up! has brought us a great one to coincide with the retiring items.
A few of the retiring accessories and some continuing accessories are 20-50% off! This includes the Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin’ Kit that is now half price!
In addition, several accessories that were retired last August are back, and at a discount!
For the list of Inventory Blowout items – here.
To see pictures of the previously retired items – here.
FALL/WINTER FAREWELL & FLEA MARKET
Saturday, January 17
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Shannon’s house – 523 Charlotte Avenue, Kalamazoo
The Fall/Winter Farewell Open House is an opportunity to:
- purchase retiring items from the 2008 Fall/Winter Catalog
- look through card samples and other ideas that I brought back from the last convention
- pre-order the 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog for just $5.00
- stock up on Mono Adhesive refills for just $2.50 each
- sign up for upcoming classes (to be announced soon)
- get a sneak-peak of what’s coming in the new catalog, too!
There will also be a flea market for purchasing retired Stampin’ Up! products and other crafting items, at bargain prices! This is a smaller version of my summer flea market but with many new offerings.
RIBBON SETS
With the transition to the next big catalog, it also means the end of the 2008 Holiday Mini Catalog. Be sure to get your favorite stamp sets and to stock up on the great accessories, since Stampin’ Up! will never again offer most of these items.
One way that I can help is to offer you a ribbon set. From page 23 in the Holiday Mini: 2 yards each of the Rope Twine, Ribbon Originals (2 ribbons), and Grosgrain Ribbon for $4.25. I have a limited number of sets available so contact me soon to reserve yours.
Retiring Stamp Sets on Sale! December 9, 2008
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The 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog will only be current for a few more weeks (the 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog debuts on January 19). In preparation for the change to the next catalog, Stampin’ Up! has announced several stamp sets which will retire.
And the best part . . . these stamps are on sale!
For a limited time – now through December 23, all stamp sets on the retiring list are 10% off!
You can download the complete listing of retiring stamp sets by page number or an alphabetical list.
These stamps will continue to be available through January 18 but the sale price only lasts until December 23.
Treat yourself or have a special someone contact me with your wish list. Orders placed by December 15 will arrive before Christmas.
But wait, there’s more!
FREE SHIPPING
Now through December 23, all orders of $70 or more will qualify for Free Shipping! Since I usually combine orders, everyone can take advantage of this savings!
SAMPLER SALE
A reminder that all of the stamp sets featured in the Sampler Brochure, are 20% now through January 18.
COUNTRY LIVING HOLIDAY CO
LLECTION KIT
The County Living Kit is packed with supplies for making ornaments, gift tags, and holiday decor. The kit is available through the end of December, or while supplies last.
You can check out more information on the above specials at my web site.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Another gift option for the crafter is a gift certificate directly from me! Gift Certificates can be purchase in any amount and, when redeemed, work just like cash. Let your friends and family know that you want to pick out new goodies from the next catalog and would love to have $$ to spend on the exciting new products.
I can be contacted anytime for gift certificates or orders. Call 345-5739 or email at: merfner@yahoo.com
Ornaments Class December 2, 2008
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ORNAMENTS CLASS
Sunday, December 7
1:00 to 5:00 – Open House Style
Shannon’s House – 523 Charlotte Avenue
Class Fee $12 – can be paid at the class
Register by Friday, December 5
For this class you will make 5 projects that are ornaments, holiday decor and/or gift tags. We will use materials from the fun die-cut kits featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog and from the Country Living Holiday Collection Kit. This is an Open House Style class. You need to plan on about 2 hours to complete your projects so, please arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Please reserve your spot by this Friday, December 5.
To register for classes, call 269-345-5739 or email me: sclemens@ameritech.net OR merfner@yahoo.com
I have two of the class projects ready to share.
The circles ornament is made with die-cut designer paper and punched pieces from the scraps, from the Star Bright Designer Paper Ornaments Kit in the 2008 Holiday Mini Catalog.
This tiered ornament uses more die-cut designer paper and punched pieces from the scraps, from the Star Bright Designer Paper Ornaments Kit in the 2008 Holiday Mini Catalog.
