Just as there are all kinds of people, there are all kinds of cards. Cards can contemporary or traditional, simple or over the top, fun or serious.

This Bells and Boughs Christmas card is traditional and elegant. The deep jewel tones from Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke are colours we all expect to see at Christmas and the images are classical, even vintage looking.

I made this card for another Holiday Mini catalogue swap I am participating in with my Dreaming About Rubber Stamps team. Don’t forget to RSVP for my Holiday Mini Open House on Friday, September 17th if you are in the Edmonton area so you can see the new products and card samples in person.

For this card, I stamped the "A Merry Christmas" greeting onto the Crumb Cake card with Crumb Cake ink. The card was too plain without some detail on the top and this tone on tone stamping was just what it needed.

Next, I wrapped a length of the Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding around a 2-1/2" x 4-1/4" piece of Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and secured it with adhesive. Then I adhered the patterned paper piece to the card.

I stamped the holly bough with Always Artichoke ink and let it set for a minute. Next, using a blender pen, I coloured the image with Pear Pizzazz and Cherry Cobbler inks. 

I layered the stamped image onto Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler cardstock and then onto Always Artichoke cardstock with dimensionals. I then adhered this piece to the card.

Lastly, I added a knot of linen thread to the Always Artichoke Big Button from the Deck the Halls package and placed it on the card with a mini glue dot.

Have you started thinking about your Christmas Cards this year? What stamp set or sets do you plan to use for your cards? Please leave a comment below and let me know.   

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Stamps: Bells & Boughs (C121142, W120831)

Inks: Always Artichoke (105219), Crumb Cake (121030), Pear Pizzazz (119784), Cherry Cobbler (119669)

Paper: Deck the Halls DSP (120810), Always Artichoke (105119), Crumb Cake (120953), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Whisper White (100730)

Other: Blender Pens (102845), Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding, Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons (121002), Linen Thread (104199), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683) 

Bells & Boughs Stamp Set, Set of 4

Clear – $17.95, #121142

Wood – $24.95, #120831

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This Northern Flurry card is for a Holiday Mini catalogue swap I am participating in this week.  I wanted to show off the Black Flourish Designer Jewels and how better than black and white. 

I embossed my Whisper White cardstock with the new Big Shot embossing folder, Northern Flurry and then layered it onto Basic Black cardstock and then onto a Whisper White card. I added the black jewels by size – the largest jewel on the largest snowflake. Finally, I added a bow made from Whisper White taffeta ribbon and the Raven lace trim. I found that layering the two ribbons gave the bow more substance and showed off the lace a little bit better.

Want to see more samples from the swap?  I will be posting them on my Facebook page over the next while. Click on the logo below to visit my Facebook page and click on the "like" button so you can see all the swap cards as they are posted. 

Note:  Customers on my mailing list and those who requested the Holiday Mini catalogues before August 27th should have the catalogue in their mailboxes. Unfortunately, I have heard from many of you that the catalogues mailed directly from Stampin’ Up! have not shown up and so will need to be re-sent. If you still need a mini catalogue, please email me so I can get one in the mail to you ASAP.  Thanks!

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Paper: Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (121045)

Big Shot: Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120902), Big Shot Machine (113439)

Other: Black Flourish Designer Jewels (120987), Raven 1/2" Lace Trim (120988), Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (109070), Mini Glue Dots (103683) 

 Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

$10.95, #120902

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It’s here! Starting today, you can order your favourite new products from the fabulous Stampin’ Up! Holiday Mini Catalog.  

Holiday Mini 2010

•     Click here or on the Holiday Mini cover to view the catalog. 
•     The Stampin’ Supplies List shows what products were used.
•     Place your on-line customer order or e-mail me your order.

Click Here to request your personal copy of the Holiday Mini catalogue or e-mail me your name, address and phone number.

Get a free Stampin’ Up! Greenhouse Gala Tote!

Save 30% on your next Stampin’ up! order and receive this tote free (a $49.95 value) when you purchase any starter kit. Click here for more details on the starter kits and my personal gift to you.

In addition to the free craft tote featured above, purchasing a Starter Kit and joining Stampin’ Up! earns you 30% off a Stampin’ Up! product order of $200 or more placed within 60 days.

Ready to start? E-mail me for my password to sign up online and enjoy the benefits of being a demonstrator today.

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This is a great "multiples" card.

I like to keep several cards on hand that have been assembled so I can just add the greeting when I need a last minute card.

To create this card, score and fold a 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" piece of Whisper White cardstock in half. Adhere a 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" piece of Poppy Parade patterns designer series paper to the bottom. Tie a knot of Poppy Parade stitched-poly ribbon and attach to the card with a mini glue dot. That’s it!

One 12" x 12" piece of patterns designer series paper will make 16 of these clean and simple cards. The next time you need a card as you are rushing out the door, grab one of these pre-made cards and stamp your greeting.

I recommend designing your card around a stamp set that has a variety of greetings close in size. And for me, that means my new favourite greeting set, Curly Cute fits the bill. I love this set!

Whatever the occasion – Happy Birthday, Thank You, Thinking of You, Seasons Greetings, Congratulations – my card is ready in a flash.

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Stamps: Curly Cute (C120510, W117014)

Inks: Poppy Parade (119782)

Paper: In Color Patterns Paper Stack (117158), Whisper White (100730)

Other: Poppy Parade Stitched-Poly Ribbon (119263), Mini Glue Dots (103683)  

Curly Cute Stamp Set, Set of 5

Clear $17.95, #120510

Wood $24.95, #117014

Page 149 of the Idea Book & Catalogue

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Check out the Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack! These retired items are offered at great discounts.

Any questions? Please e-mail me.

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What would I do with an extra $300 a month?

As fall approaches, I start to dream about a warm weather destination this winter. Beaches, umbrella drinks and relaxing.

(Transalation: Not hearing "Mom, what is there to eat?" for an entire week.) Love it!

But as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, it’s not a dream. You can earn $300 a month and more.

Your paper crafting hobby can be a profitable part time job or full time business. It’s great being able to add to your family budget through your love of paper crafting.

Click here for more details on being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.

To request an information package or if you have any questions, e-mail me or call me toll free in Canada at 1.866.472.8207 or in Edmonton and area at 780.472.8200.

Join my team and make money! Start earning extra money for Christmas, school fees, vacations, cars and more today.

What would you do with an extra $300 every month?

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This "celebrate" card uses several of the products from the sampler including the silver waffle paper, silver tinsel, a silver glimmer brad and a Blushing Bride button.  I also used the Northern Flurry embossing folder for the Big shot and the new Decorative Label and 3/4" x 15/16" medium oval punches.

My kids are back to school on Monday and I can feel fall in the air in the evenings. Those Northern Flurries will be here before we know it!

This sampler is a taste of the new Christmas themed products in the Holiday Mini! 

It includes:  

• 6" x 6" piece of each design in the Candy Cane Designer Series Paper (page 33)
  
• 6" x 6" piece of each design in the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (page 18)
  
• 12 different Candy Cane Buttons (page 17)
  
• 12 different Deck the Halls buttons (page 17)
  
• 1 yard of Clear Tinsel (page 21)
  
• 1 yard of Silver Tinsel (page 21)
  
• 20 Glimmer Brads, one in each colour (page 36)
  
• 8" x 12" piece of Metallic Gold Waffle Paper (page 21)
  
• 8" x 12" piece of Metallic Silver Waffle Paper (page 21)
  
• 2 yards of Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding (page 21)
  
• 2 yards of Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding (page 21)
  
• 2 yards of Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding (page 21)

Product Samplers will be ready in early September. Your sampler can be mailed to you or you can choose to pick up at my home in Edmonton (close to Londonderry mall.) Canadians only, please.

Stampin’ Up! does not allow me to post pictures of the products until the catalogue is effective on September 1st.  Check your mailboxes for your Holiday Mini catalogue or check back here on Wednesday for photos of the new products. Trust me, they’re awesome!

Click here to request your free copy of the Holiday Mini.  

Please contact me with any questions.

Use this button to have the Holiday Mini Product Sampler mailed to you

Use this button if you will be picking up your Holiday Mini Product Sampler at my home

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The Dryer Sheet Technique is an oldie but a goodie. A simple way to dress up a card and make it unique.

Scroll down to watch the video. (If you received this message by e-mail or in a blog reader, you may need to visit my blog to see the link.)

The colours I choose for this card are Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze and Sahara Sand.  The Baja Breeze/Not Quite Navy combination was recommended on the Color Coach and I added Sahara Sand as a neutral. The colours are vibrant without being too bright.

The greeting was stamped with VersaMark ink and embossed with white embossing powder.

The only embellishment I added to this card in addition to the Dryer Sheet Technique was embossing the Not Quite Navy cardstock with the Square Lattice embossing folder. 

Only a few more days to order from the Summer Mini Catalogue. Take a last look at the catalogue today and be sure you have ordered everything on your wishlist!

To Order Stampin’ Up! Products in Canada, Click Here

Stamps: Great Friend (113792)

Inks: Not Quite Navy (103008), Baja Breeze (111833), Sahara Sand (105208), VersaMark (102283)

Paper: Not Quite Navy (101722), Baja Breeze (111352), Sahara Sand (121043), Whisper White (100730)

Big Shot: Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976)

Other: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023), Heat Tool (100005), White Embossing Powder (109132), Anywhere Glue Stick (104045), Dryer Sheet  

 Great Friend Stamp Set

$21.95, #113792, Set of 5

Page 122 of the Idea Book & Catalogue

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Dreaming About Rubber Stamps

video tutorial!

My videos are available as podcasts so you can watch on the go.

Search "dreaming about rubber stamps" at the iTunes store or click here and select the blue "view in itunes" button to subscribe to my free videos today!

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The Candy Wrapper is a new Bigz die for the Big Shot featured in Stampin’ Up! Holiday Mini catalogue that will be effective September 1st.

To make this candy wrapper, I cut it out with the Big Shot and used a bone folder to score the lines.  Then I ran the candy wrapper through a second time with the new Spider  Web embossing folder. This is such a neat design!

A bit of Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon with new black Raven Lace Trim on the ends and a tag that uses the new Decorative Label punch and Blakc Jewels and I was finished. A really neat idea for Halloween!

Click here to request your free copy of the Holiday Mini.  

Click here to see my Holiday Class schedule!

Check back here on Thursday, August 26th for your chance to pre-order product samplers from the new 2010 Holiday Mini Catalogue.

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Simple Saturday stamping is extra simple when your paper and stamp match! Isn’t this cool?

The same design from the the Artistic Etchings stamp is also on this paper from the Love Letter designer series package. All I had to do was layer the pieces and add some Basic Black wide grosgrain ribbon.

Speaking of ribbon, I recorded a short video on my ribbon "cheat". I like to conserve my ribbon since I use lots of it.  And this video shows a great way to add ribbon without using as much as alot of stampers do on their cards. 

Scroll down to watch the video. (If you received this message by e-mail or in a blog reader, you may need to visit my blog to see the link.)

Watch the video to see how to create fish tail ends on your bows. 
  

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Stamps: Artistic Etchings (Clear $17.95, #120573 – Wood $22.95, #118517, page 125)

Inks: Basic Black (101179)

Paper: Basic Black (121045), Riding Hood Red (111348), Very Vanilla (101650), Love Letter Designer Series Paper (117162)

Other: Basic Black 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon  (115605) 

Don’t think it, ink it!

A customer asked me recently which designer series to order first.  My answer – definitely one of the Patterns Designer Series Paper Stacks. Buy a paper stack in your favourite colour collection and then add desginer buttons or brads in the same colour collection for even more creative options.

I love the versatility of the paper stacks and how they enhance my cards. With four different patterns of paper in each colour, there are so many designs for you to choose. Click here to  see another card I made using the Brights Patterns DSP Stack.

For this card I used the Basic Black paper with Basic Black and Whisper White cardstocks. The image and greeting are from the Just Believe stamp set. This has to be the new stamp set I have used most often. 

I kept the embellishments simple – a black button and black ribbon.

Join the Rubber Stampers Club and receive members only access each month to the following:

• Technique Video Tutorial
• More than a Card Video Tutorial
• Product Tip Video
• Card Sketch
• Card Samples
• Card Challenge and Prizes
• Draws

Membership is free with a $30 monthly order.

Click here for more information and to join today! Please contact me with any questions.

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Stamps: Just Believe (Clear $31.95, #120453 – Wood $41.95, #116948, page 109)

Inks: Basic Black (101179)

Paper: Basic Black (121045), Whisper White  (100730), Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117157)

Punches: 3/4" Circle (119873)

Other: Neutrals Designer Buttons (119743), Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon  (117285)

Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

$24.95, #117155, 40 Sheets

Page 175 of the Idea Book & Catalogue
 

Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack

$24.95, #117157, 40 Sheets

Page 175 of the Idea Book & Catalogue

Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

$24.95, #117152, 40 Sheets

Regals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

$24.95, #117154, 40 Sheets

Page 175 of the Idea Book & Catalogue

 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

$24.95, #117158, 40 Sheets

Page 175 of the Idea Book & Catalogue

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The Wiper Card. This has to be one of the easiest Fancy Fold cards to make. Two score lines on two same sized pieces of cardstock and the little wiper piece at the top and you are good to go.

Scroll down to watch the video and you will be making Wiper Cards in no time. (If you received this message by e-mail or in a blog reader, you may need to visit my blog to see the link.)

For this card, I used more new products from the Holiday Mini catalogue. This time the Holiday celebrated is Thanksgiving with a fall colour pallette. The Autumn Spice Specialty designer series paper has Cajun Craze, Old Olive, More Mustard and Early Espresso. Isn’t this paper great?

The stamp set is Day of Gratitude – a set of 7. I think the images in this set are beautiful and can be used well after Fall.

For this card, I stamped the large circular image and the greeting onto So Saffron cardstock with Early Espresso ink. I mounted the greeting onto a larger piece of Cajun Craze cardstock and the other image onto layers of Early Espresso and Cajun Craze. I inserted an Early Espresso brad into the center of the image.

I love the coordinating embellishments on this card. Early Espresso ribbon, brad and button. Don’t you love SU! products and the way they match?

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 A close up view of the Autumn Spice paper and the Early Espresso accents.

A greeting and small stamped image on the "wiper".

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