Thinking of Christmas...

 

It's been a busy week... wrapping up work so that I can take a week off, baseball playoffs, hockey starts and thinking about back to school preparations!  Whew - glad I took next week off!!  I hope you have been squeezing every last bit of fun out of this summer!

With so much other stuff on our minds at this time of year, Christmas likely isn't at the top of your list but if you need a break from the crazy schedule you should consider joining us this coming Wednesday August 29th for some relaxing card making!

It's not very often that I get to offer a daytime class, but guests that register for Wednesday's event have two session times to choose from ... 10-1130am or 7-830pm.  Both sessions will require a minimum of 3 guests in order for the class to continue.  More class samples will be shared soon but you can email me anytime with questions or to sign up!  Have a great day everyone!



The 3D sample shown today will look familiar.  I posted a similar gift box earlier in the month however it had a Fall theme to it.  This is the bonus project the earlybird registrants get to make at Wednesday's class!!  It is made with Rich Razzleberry accents (Ribbon & Cardstock Bow).  I've embellished the bow with the NEW Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons and some white Baker's Twine.  I love, love, love these Kraft Gift Boxes!  A great size for gift giving and very affordable at just $3.50 for a package of 4 boxes!

Fall Birthday Gift Box!

This project was so much fun to make!  I love it when things that look challenging actually turn out to be quite simple in reality.  If you were on the fence about joining us for Wednesday's In Color / Birthday / Technique class...maybe this will secure your decision!

I will be showing Wednesday's class guests how to make the (no tying) bow on the top of this project!  Consider it a bonus demonstration for attending!!  So much fun!!! 

And if you want to make a boxed project like this ... RSVP for one of the upcoming Holiday Stamp-A-Stacks as it will be a bonus project to make for those that register early! Regular registration will close on Friday August 24th for the Holiday classes being held on Wednesday August 29th but if you contact me by this coming Wednesday (Aug 15th) I will order enough supplies for you to make a Holiday gift box as a bonus project!! 

Thanks for stopping by today and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Holiday Simply Scrappin' Kit

These projects were made using the amazing Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit showcased in the current Holiday Mini!

There's still time to get your kit and prepare projects for the season!

I'm back!

And I have some catching up to do!

Let me start by explaining the HUGE gap in posts from me over the last little while...

Back in early September, I lost my computer to a storm (electrical surge).  I ended up having to invest in a laptop.  I love my new device however it has not been easy to get everything from my old computer to my new one and in some cases, things didn't operate the same on my new laptop as they did on my PC.  Blog posts were one example of this!  I have finally figured out what I needed to do to correct my posting issues so now I'm back!! 

Now to the reason you've come by... creative samples!

Today's picture is of some of the treats I've prepared for the Dorchester Fall Fair - happening this coming Thanksgiving Weekend!  The Fair vendors will open for business Saturday morning at 10am so if you're planning on coming to the Fair, be sure to stop in and see me!  We're usually set up in the large green barn. 

Dorchester Fall Fair vendor hours:
Saturday 10-6pm
Sunday 10-4pm
Monday 10-4pm

Last Chance - Summer Mini Catalogue!

The time has come to say farewell to the Summer Mini and HELLO to the New Holiday 2011 Mini!!!


If you are still interested in ordering something from the Summer Mini, please email me before 8pm Wednesday. The catalogue expires at 1159pm August 31st!


One of the items I know I will miss is the Playful Polka Dot Simply Scrappin' Kit from the Summer Mini!! I've shared some of the class projects with you in previous posts - here are some more projects made using this amazing kit!! I still have lots left in the kit, so more examples to come this week!



Thanks for stopping by today!

Introducing... The Blossom Bigz Die!

I was really excited to order the new Blossom Bigz Die and try it out!

I will tell you that it takes some practice...it definitely isn't a good die for a Big Shot beginner but like anything else...the more you make, the easier they get!

And the output? These Blossom Boxes are stunning! They stay together nicely, and they don't require adhesive to close (although you need adhesive to assemble the seam). Because you don't adhese the opening shut, you can re-use the box over and over again!

This die is medium in size so if you don't have a Big Shot, but you have another Sizzix type machine, it is likely going to fit. Click on the picture below to see more product information!

Watch for an upcoming Big Shot class where this new Die will be demonstrated!! Thanks for stopping by today!

Fancy This!

This might be my favorite project from the Simply Scrappin' Kit Playful Polka Dots!

I used the Fancy Favor Bigz die to create the bag to hold the 4 3x3 love notes. Each 3x3 card was decorated using the contents of the Simply Scrappin' Kit and since the kit comes with 3 sheets of coordinating die cuts, I barely used any adhesive!!

Here's a close up of the bag & the cards:

I will have even more Playful Polka Dot samples to share with you over the next week... come back often!

Registration for this class will close on Friday August 12th - register here before that date to secure your spot!

Snow Much Fun!

Here are the other two club projects we worked on during yesterday's Holiday Club event! I wanted to demonstrate a different type of card for the girls, something interactive, so a SPINNER CARD was the ideal choice! Because this type of card is a bit more complicated, we didn't make two of them, rather we made a coordinating treat bag using the Fancy Favor Bigz Die.

The stamp set used is from the new 2012 IB&C and it is sure to be a crowd favorite for holiday cards and holiday scrapbooking! The card inspiration, once again, came from our demo website Stampers Showecase but the bag I created all on my own (lol)! I used the new 'Starburst' jumbo wheel and the chubby snowman from the 'Snow Much Fun' stamp set!

Here is the 'Snow Much Fun' stamp set, available in both Clear & Wood Mounted options:

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the beautiful weather in Southwestern Ontario!!

Next 'Club Preview' Class - This Saturday!!

Have you thought about joining a Stampin' Up! club but want to know more about how they work before you sign up?

My club preview classes might be just the thing for you!

This coming Saturday I'm hosting another club preview with the Big Shot as its theme! You can come out and enjoy 1-1/2 hrs of stamping and make these projects for just $5 !!

Both projects come with instruction and helpful tips on how to recreate at home. Class materials are provided for you and are pre-cut so that you can come to enjoy the assembly part of crafting!

There are spots available for Saturday morning (9-1030am) but RSVP's are needed by Friday at noon. Hope to see you soon!

A Stampin' Up! Birthday Party!

Today is a BIG day! I'm so excited to be attending a birthday party for the daughter of my very good friend (Hi Kim)! Kim's little girl is turning 8 and today, she will have 10 other little stampers over to STAMP and to party it up!

I can't wait to show them their stamp set, ink and treats for coming to this party! Here's a side view of the bag plus the 4 little 3x3 love notes the kiddos will be making!

It's a busy weekend ...with even more excitement as tomorrow I'm doing a home workshop at Janine's place (Hi Janine)!! Looking forward to spending time with Janine and getting to know her and her friends better over some stamping, laughing and fun!

Have a super weekend everyone! Thanks for stopping by today!!

Team Burns Meeting

What a fun way to start the new year! Last night, Team Burns met to chat and stamp during my monthly downline meeting! With so many new members joining during that amazing 50% off promotion - we're now a team of 21 so I was excited to offer an opportunity for my team to come over and learn more about what Stampin' Up! can do for them. Unfortunately, the weather was a bit nasty so no everyone was able to make it by but there's always February!

We spent time last night chatting about Valentines Day ideas, classes/clubs and of course SALE-A-BRATION (SAB for short)!

SAB is our biggest promotion of the year and it is expected to be busy, busy, busy with classes, home workshops and events! If you'd like to learn more about my team, or this promotion, please ask!

Here are the projects we made last night as our meeting Make n' Takes! For these projects, we used the following products:

NEW XOXO Stamp Set

Real Red, Pink Pirouette & Shimmery White Cardstock

NEW Love Impressions DSP

NEW Red Glimmer Paper

Window Sheets

Basic Grey Classic Ink

Basic Grey Tafetta Ribbon

Lots of Love Letter Press Plate (with Big Shot)

2-1/2 " Circle Punch

Large Heart Punch

Pillow Pouch Die (with Big Shot)

Large Oval Punch

Scallop Oval Punch

Small Heart Punch

Jewel Rhinestones

Dimensionals

I hope you enjoy them :o) Thanks for stopping by today!

On Board Art Journal

These art journals are a lot of fun! They are often overlooked in the catalogue but they actually can make really nice mini scrapbooks, or gifts to record memories or activities. They come in 2 sizes: a 5x5 book shown in this post, and a book size 5 3/4 x 8 3/4! Both come 'bare' with chipboard on the outsides and Very Vanilla cardstock as the pages so that you can decorate as you wish!

My sample was made for my Mom! I remember growing up and watching my Mom as she 'wrote' things. She's always had such nice penmenship and took time to teach us the importance of this also. So, I created something that she could jott down daily things for my son as a keepsake. Little things that she enjoys day-to-day, like her garden or times that she's spent with us/Evan. I really wanted to have her capture those things in her words, and in her handwriting.

I know it will be something we will treasure forever!

Big Shot Club / Class Combo Event!

My next series of Big Shot Club / Class combo events are starting up this Sunday and I'm so excited to be focusing on Fall & Winter projects throughout the next 4 months!

If you would like to join us - there are spots available!

Many of you have enjoyed the concept of these club / class events because you have flexible options. You can join as a club member and earn lots of great freebies, or just come as a class go'er and learn some new crafting tricks using the Big Shot tool!! Either way, I know you're going to love the Fall projects I have planned for you Sunday night. Read on for more info about the club / class options and RSVP by tomorrow if you'd like to attend.

Big Shot Club / Class Combo Events

• If you want to purchase the Big Shot, pay for 1/4 of the total price each month for four months and be a hostess one of those months, you get to come to club for FREE! 4 equal payments of $40 payable by cash or cheque only please


• If you have purchased the Big Shot from me in the past you get to come to the Big Shot club/class for FREE as well
  
• If you want to come and make the projects the class fee is just $5.


• ALL the dies we use that night will be 10% off that night only


• And anyone placing an order that night, will get to make the bonus project!

RSVP by Saturday September 18th if you wish to attend this club/class. Hope to see you soon!

Just Believe Preorder Class - August

I absolutely LOVE this stamp set and I can't wait to show you all of the wonderful things you can do with it! This is definitely a set that falls into the MUST-HAVE category!!!

You'll get this set when you attend my upcoming 'Just Believe' preorder class on Tuesday August 31, 2010, AND you'll get to make the projects shown above. Full instruction will be provided and all project material is pre-cut for guests, so no experience is needed to join in the fun!!

When I was searching for inspiration for the class projects, I came across some samples made by a very talented stamper Angela McKay from our demonstrator resource gallery, and I thought they were the perfect projects for my upcoming class! The projects all coordinate, and allow you to see some new products in use, such as the new Patterns Designer Series Paper Stacks and embellishments! I think you'll be impressed with these new products also!

Because we'll be using the paper stacks, there will be a variety of color combinations used during the class so it will give you great perspective on how you can take the same project concept but simply change the colors and get a completely new look!! You'll want to bring your camera to this class, for sure!

Hope you'll consider joining me for this fun class. You can see full details by visiting my Stampin' Up! website - Event Calendar! Choice of project color will be based on a first-to-register basis so sign up early!!

Cost for Clear Set Option - $40

Cost for Wooden Set Option - $50

Class fees include the Just Believe stamp set shown below, project instruction and all class materials to complete the projects shown above!

Have a great day everyone!!

June's Big Shot Club Samples

Friday night was BIG SHOT club night! Here are the projects from this months' club event! It was a tropical evening for sure!

We have 1 more club event in July before this first club ends and an new club begins in August. If you'd like to come as a guest - to see what all the fuss is about - there are guest spots open for July for $5!!

The Big Shot Dies we use the night of the club event are all 10% off when ordered at the conclusion of the class.

I'm back (with samples this week) - FINALLY :o)

My apologies for the lack of posts last week... it was busy, busy, busy with spring/summer sports starting up and a camping trip booked for the first long weekend of the summer = no time to do much last week during the evenings!

I actually have quite a bit to share with you - from May club projects; to new announcements; to samples & swaps I received at the Spring Fling held last weekend and finally to some new clubs I'm starting up - there's just so much to get out there and so little time to do it all in!!

I also have some really exciting news BUT I'm not quite ready to share it yet so you'll have to come back for that!

Ok - let's start with a sample! This project was showcased at this month's 'King' Club event. The girls loved this Note Box filled with cards and the group worked away at the assembing the box and making all 4 cards for the inside! This project is an example of what you might find at one of my Stamp Camp type classes!

It was also a project we were able to learn & complete at the Spring Fling event I attended last wekeend! What fun! Below are individual pictures of the project from the side and inside as well as the 4x4 note cards that filled up the box! The project uses the following colors: Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie. These colors are so bright & fresh together! The Designer Paper is from the NEW Summer Mini catalogue and is called 'Island Oasis'. You'll be seeing a lot more of this paper in use from me over the next few months! It's awesome!!

First Communion Favors

As promised, here are the favors I made for my friend at work for her son's First Communion sacrament this past weekend!

I started out with some candles, which Liz found at a local store

I thought they would be nice with some rub ons so I used one image type rub on for one of the candles and a saying for the other

On to packaging the candles... I used Stampin' Up! Large Cello Bags and added a 4x4 Pendant 'Thank You' Note using the 'Refuge & Strength' stamp set; 'Special Blessings' stamp set, 'Thank You Kindly' stamp set, some Chocolate Chip cardstock and some Jumbo Brads. On the inside of the card, I also used a saying from the 'Curvy Verses' stamp set.

Then I worked on the topper. I used Chocolate Chip & Old Olive cardstock to coordinate with the candles and added a saying stamp from the Refuge & Strength set. I also added the bird with branches (XLg Two-Step Bird Punch) to coordinate back with the First Communion Invitations Liz used. I used Kraft & Chocolate Chip cardstock, and doubled the branches up to create a multi-layer / shadowing effect.

And here's the final product!

Hope you've enjoyed it :o) Be back tomorrow with some information about May classes!