Happy Father's Day to you out there in Blog land.

I've been working on a couple of cards that I sell at a two local Coffee shops. The type of cards I sell the most of are With Sympathy. I wish I sold more of my Get well cards. Guy cards are always a challenge for many of my customers. Any card template can be made masculine just by changing the colors and texture. The original idea was shared on the Stampin' Connection, a picture gallery center for Demonstrators. I saw two ideas that made me make one cool looking card. I demonstrated this idea about 2 weeks ago at a workshop (Thanks Deb). For some reason my Blue is looking Cobalt Blue-It's Night of Navy. Not sure why my Photoshop color went that route. Anyway-lookie see:

Inside the card:

Any greeting will do-Even Happy Father's Day but in this case, it was Happy Birthday.

Supplies:

Stamps: By the Tide (w) #131910 $27.95, (c) #129120 $19.95, Wishes Your Way (retired 2013)

Paper: Night of Navy # 126970 $6.95, Crumb Cake #120953 $6.95, Whisper White #100730 $8.50 (40 Sheets)

Ink: Crumb Cake #126975 $5.95

Punches: Postage Stamp #122344 $15.95, Retired 3/4" square

Accessories: Embossing Folder-Woodgrain #127821 $7.95-Love my Big Shot!

Ribbon: 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon-Midnight Muse #126847 $8.95, Linen Thread #104199 $4.50

ENJOY!

I finally got some office work done. The not so fun side of buisness is trying to make sure a few piles of paperwork and banking is in order. oh, and put away. It is definitely a work in progress. One of the things I needed to get done was my Hostess Coupons book for the New Catalog year. Done and Done. I love some of the New Designer Series papers in the catalog, especially SOHO Subway DSP (#130140 $10.95). I also used the Label Love stamp set and punch. Now in a Bundle-save 15%: ((w) #132723 $34.75, (c) #132722 $28.75.

So, let the pics begin:

Before I decorated the cover:

Sending a little love for my future Hostesses. You can be a Hostess with me for a Home Show or a Virtual Show. Contact me today.

ENJOY!

Hi Everyone. I am just doing a quick post to all of you that live near me.

WHAT: My 16th Annual CATALOG OPEN HOUSE

WHERE: Caribou Coffee Shop-Downtown Lake Geneva, next to Potbelly Sandwiches Shop

WHEN: Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 from 4PM-8PM

Stop by, See the Brand New Stampin' Up!® Catalog & Idea Book. Play with some New Product, see New Colors of Ink and Papers, Make and Take a Project for FREE and get a $1.00 toward your drink or treat at Caribou Coffee. Lots of Retired Stamps sets, Cardstock and Designer papers. This year, purchase any of my Old Stamp sets and get a $3.00 off ticket for each set you buy. These tickets can be used only on a New Catalog order this day only. No Carry overs. Place at least a $25.00 or more from the New Catalog and get your discounts per Old Catalog sets, after S&H and Tax. So-If you buy three old sets-you get $9.00 off. Let's say you have a $28.00 order Plus S&H & Tax (Walworth County tax 5.5%) and that equals $30.38. Take the $9.00 off and you get $21.38. Not bad, huh! Oh, and there is an amazing Door Prize that you all get a ticket for just by stopping in and placing a $25.00 order. It is worth $75.00. Want to have some fun-Book a party with me and get a 2nd ticket. So Nifty!

I hope you can stop by. Introduce yourself if I have not met you before or if it's been a few years. If you are one of my Blog followers-Say so and get a fun gift from me. Browse, shop, have a $1.00 of your drink on me. Have fun, take a Lil time to stamp again if it's been awhile.

Questions? Contact me beforehand or after.

Can't make it to my event and you want to get in on the deal-Sure. Contact me by email to let me know what sets you are interested in along with your New Catalog order. The catalogs can be downloaded off the side of my blog. If you want to see all my Retired Stamp sets-just visit my 4Sale page at the top of my Blog.

ENJOY! and hope to see you there.

Yesterday, My kids finished up another school year. Victoria finished 2nd and Addison finished 4K. I am relieved that another year is done, but "ACK"-they are home ALL DAY for Summer. Sorry, I am NOT that kind of Mom that is out of her mind Happy to have her babies home with her. I Love 'em but Boy I sure do Love the Teachers and the school year! No, Hubby does not believe in Babysitters-being former Cops, you might understand. Plus, he arrested a few! Hah. (please, no negative emails on this)

Anyway, I always make something for the lovely teachers and since I have been on a Peat Pot kick, it was only right that I continued the idea with just a few changes.

Here are the packages:

and here is the label and the info on their cards:

Of course the usual items are in the packages, Seeds, Chocolate bars and the little saying. I use this saying every year but always put a bit of a twist on it.

I have added new info on the side bars regarding the Current Specials. Visit my 4Sale page too as I am adding things daily. Sorry it has been taking me so long to add them. I have a lot. And I have been busy with Our House Watch Business. Lots of clients to handle. Here in Lake Geneva, WI, it's tourism Season and those that are not here from Sept-May-They're back!!! I am Sorry my Blog has taken a downturn on posting ideas lately but I hope to jump right back in this month. If it's been more than a few days of posting, you will know that the Main job of our household is coming first. Ah well, whatcha going to do. :0) Thanks for your understanding and being Fans. Speaking of which-I now have a Business Page on Facebook. If you wish to "Like" me-that would be so Cool.

Enjoy!

Yes, The New 2013-2014 Idea Book & Catalog is here! Hurray Hurray!!!!

I am so Excited!!!  Like when I was First Dating My Hubby excited! Hah! Ok, I will tone it down a bit.

But-Yes-I really do Love stamping and A New Catalog unveiling is Very exciting!

That means-You can place an order anytime.

How about this Catalog…

Isn't it Pretty!

If you want one-Just visit my page on top that say's "Get Your Free Catalog".

The Catalog is Free but you pay for the Shipping. BUT, wait there is more..

You also get a New Catalog Survival Kit from me.

It includes Chocolate and a Fun Bookmark. Here is a lookie lookie…

Oh, and a couple of coupons.

Want to be a Hostess? Do you want FUN? GREAT. Let's Get together. If you are within three hours of Lake Geneva, I can be your Demonstrator for your party. You invite at least 10-20 guests (the most I ever had at a house was 32-WOW!) and I Show you and your guests amazing fun and easy stamping projects ranging anywhere from Cards, Scrapbooking ideas to 3-D Art. The Workshop party last about 2-3 Hours. You, the Hostess, get all kinds of Free Products. A Base show is $150.00. Orders that are collected, if you have at least $150.00, you get at least $25.00 in Free Merchandise. Awesome. Of course the more orders you get, the bigger the show, the More Free $$ you get to spend and maybe even get half off products. Interested? Contact me today.

ENJOY!

I am at it again. These darn peat pots are fun to use. I see an idea and Run, RUN with it! I made one as a Easter gift in April. Now, I am making these as little Thank You's for customers of mine. They are the perfect container to put treats in and it is completely useable for your potted plants and herbs.

Here is the latest treats:

Inside I have a Seed packet, a Business Card, a bit of Candy, and a Fun Greeting- "I love being Your Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator!"

I do Appreciate YOUR Business. Remember-

I AM a SMALL BUSINESS. We are what helps America's Economy grow. I am one of thousands of Stampin' Up!® Demonstrators across the United States who stamp and change peoples lives through Creativity. Think You might like to do what I do? Right now, New Demonstrators who join Stampin' Up!® by May 30th, 2013 get an extra $30.00 in their kits. Awesome. I would LOVE to have you on my team-The Dairy Best Stampers. Business minded Demo., Hobby Demo, or just thinking "I will try for more than just the discount and see what happens". It's all here for you. After 15 years of what I thought was only going to be a small Lil Hobby has turned into a Real passion. I Love to Create. Do You?

Why not try something New and Exciting and FUN! Sign up today as a Demonstrator. Click here to Visit my Site Today. If you change your mind after getting the kit, No harm, just let the quarter run out and Enjoy all the access of the Stampin' Up!® site and the ton of ideas and all the New Products and etc. etc. etc. I always say-Try it for at least 6 Months. You May just LOVE it!

ENJOY!

Hi everyone, it's getting down to the wire. Only a few days left until all the Retired Stamps and supplies are gone for good. I just had to post another idea using the soon to be retiring-Spring Sampler set. Also on this card is the Retiring Big shot Die-Scallop Envelope. I have had a lot of uses with this fun Die. Here is a great way to dress up a card-have the treat on the outside.

Isn't this fun?

Here is the flower pot up close:

Sneak Peek-I did use 2 Brand New Card Stock colors-Baked Brown Sugar and Pistachio Pudding. YUM!

Supplies I used:

Stamps: RETIRING-Spring Sampler (w) #125510 $38.95, (c) #125512 $27.95, and the saying was from Fabulous Florets (w) #128574 $23.95, (c) #123027 $17.95

Ink: New In-Color-Baked Brown Sugar (JUNE 1st, 2013) and Stampin Write Markers Daffodil Delight #119677 $3.50, Cajun Craze, Wild Wasabi.

Card Stock: Whisper White #100730 $8.50, Baked Brown Sugar and Pistachio Pudding (available JUNE 1st, 2013)

Supplies: I did use the Super sticky strip since I don't want the envelope to fall off. #104294 $6.95

Big Shot Die: RETIRING-Scallop Envelope Bigz #113462 $21.95 (you will want the Standard Premium Crease Pad #113476 $8.95, so that the item is creased and cut in the right spots)

And per a post earlier this month-I you would like to give you a $3.00 off coupon to use in the New 2013-2014 Idea Book and Catalog when you purchase this stamp set with me. After the order is placed, I will email it to you within 24-48 hours. I think it's just a fun, cheerful set and perhaps a missed set. It's not hard-there are So many things to choose from.

As always-ENJOY, and place your order for these items and more before they are all gone.

Have you had a chance to see the retired items yet.?

Still siting on the fence wondering if you should get an item that is retiring or not?

On my side bar is all the stamps and accessories info for you to download. But hurry, if you want anything, the list is retiring at the end of the month of May. And Yes, it's always a bit sad for me as a Demonstrator because that means I can't demonstrate these items anymore. Some of you who are new to this might ask why. If I demonstrate something that is now discontinued, you can no longer buy it. So, that is why I sell a few things on my 4Sale section on the top of my blog. In a few weeks you will see many sets that I pulled from my no longer loved collection as well as recently retired. Sorry-No early Bird sales. Just keep an eye out for my special post. I Do know that there are some Amazing items coming in the New Catalog and the New Holiday Mini. I am planning on doing a video of the New Catalog layout for you. I will point out fun ideas and new products. But right now, let's visit one last time with some stamps that are going out along with the tools.

A Fun Happy Birthday Card idea, masking technique and Picture Tutorial:

How about this Happy Birthday card. It Simple but visually stunning. Any color you do will be great:

Let's start with a Piece of White C.S. folded in 1/2. Then take a thin piece of paper-perhaps copy paper-I used a Big Pad Post It Note, and use it as a mask. You want a thin piece of paper-not thick Card Stock otherwise it will be too big of a lip for the mask and will not look natural.

Add the first layer of stamps-here is the flower or weed depending on how you look at it:

I am adding the 2nd stamp-a Bee:

Now I add the first layer of sponging:

This is the 2nd layer of sponging, just a bit darker:

Now I am adding this really cool tool that is retiring-SO SAD!-get your before it's gone:

You place your Stampin' Write Marker inside and turn screw slightly to give just a bit of bend in the tip( it must be a round marker and Crayola markers are too big):

Grab it like you mean it and do quick squeezes. Finger tip holding will not work unless you have Very strong fingers. The closer the smaller the spray-you want to go about 2-3" above to give an almost "airbrush" look. It's easy, cool looking and FUN!

How's this look:

peel off the mask and add a greeting:

Add the Beautiful Birthday Stamp in Gray ink:

And of course the final piece again:

Supplies I used:

Stamps: Nature Walk (w) #121925 $25.95, (c) #121997 $18.95, and Beautiful Birthday (w) #125562 $6.95  All Retiring

Ink: Old Olive Ink Pad #126953 $5.95 and Basic Gray #126981 $5.95 and Old Olive Stampin Write Marker #100079 $3.50

Card Stock: Whisper White #100730 $8.40 (40 Sheets)

General Tools: Stamping Sponges ( A MUST!) #101610 $3.50 (3 Sponges) and The retiring tool-Color Spritzer #107066 was $12.95 now $9.71.

So Hurry, the tools and accessories like paper, ink and designer Series papers will not last for long. Once it's gone, it's gone. The stamps you can wait until the last minute because they make them there. But don't wait too long.

ENJOY!