Big Shot Scallop Envelope Purse

I've been having so much fun with my Big Shot since I got it last month. It really has opened up a whole new world of crafting possibilities! I love the ease and satisfaction of being able to crank out perfectly die-cut pieces in seconds.

Here's a sneak peek at the make n' take we'll be doing this Friday, May 1 at my Midnight Crop. RSVP if you'd like to attend. This cute little purse was made with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Scallop Envelope die and the Birds and Blooms Sizzlits. Thanks to Kristina Koch for the idea.

Only Two Days Left to "Get Connected"!

These are two of the cards we made at Regionals using the "Soft Summer" set available now in the Occasions Mini Catalogue. This is a beautiful set for watercolouring; the first card was watercoloured using the Aquapainter and Classic inks, and the second card using SU's Watercolour Wonder Crayons.

Speaking of the mini catalogue, the "Get Connected" promotion is only on for two more days! Purchase $50 of product from the Occasions Mini and choose any "Under $12" item from page 208 of the catalogue for free! There is no limit on the free items; you get one for every $50 you spend. Thanks for looking!

You're invited...

...to my Midnight Crop this Friday, May 1. Come hang out, work on your projects using my stampsets and tools, or make up a class you missed. RSVP required; $5 drop-in fee or free if you're making up a class.

I saw this cute Elmo card on one of the sample boards at Regional Convention. If anyone knows who originated it, please let me know so I can give them credit. Elmo's face is made entirely with SU's circle punches and his party hat is from the "Sock Monkey" set. The striped grosgrain ribbon in Real Red gives it just the right cheery touch. I still have lots of samples from Regionals to show you! We did six make n'takes that day; check back in the next few days and I'll post some of them up. I also can't wait to show you the adorable mini-scrapbook I'm working on with my Grade 4 students for Mother's Day.

Still a few spots left...

There are still a few spots left in the "Inspired By Nature" class. Just let me know by this Sunday evening if you'd like in on Option A, which includes the stamp set for $35, or Option B, in which you can make all three projects for $15. If you're looking for some easy, elegant home decor or a handmade Mother's Day gift, this is the class for you!

Discount on the Starter Kit!

If you've been thinking about joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, I've got a great deal for you! Because I attended the Regional Convention in Seattle, Stampin' Up! is letting me offer you this exclusive deal: if you sign up under me as a demo between now and April 30, they will take $60 off the price of your starter kit! There is also no shipping and only one tax on the starter kit. Contact me today if you'd like to get in on this fabulous offer!

Seattle Regional Convention

I had a fabulous day on Saturday at the Stampin' Up! Regional Convention in Seattle. It was a full day of learning, stamping, swapping and inspiration. We had a chance to hear presentations from many talented demonstrators and Stampin' Up's demonstrator trainers, and most exciting of all, from Shelli Gardner herself, the CEO and cofounder of Stampin' Up! Shelli was so warm, gracious, and dynamic in person. It's truly a testimony to her character that she built the company from the ground up with her family's support, and is still going strong at it twenty years later. I was so starstruck, I got my photo taken with her. I felt like a kid at Christmastime getting their picture taken with Santa, although as you can see, Shelli is much more stylish than Santa Claus. I can't wait to share with you all the things I learned at Regionals!

Get Connected and Earn Free Product!

Connect with family and friends when you make them beautiful cards and gifts using products from the Occasions Mini Catalogue. From April 1-30, when you buy $50 in products from the Occasions Mini, or host a workshop totaling $200 or more, you’ll get one item from the “Under $12” page (p. 208) in the Spring-Summer 2009 IdeaBook & Catalogue—FREE!

My personal favourite from the "Under $12" page is the Note of Thanks Mini Note Kit (item number 116209). This kit is a great way to get started with stamping, as it includes everything you need to get going as soon as you receive it. You get a double mounted stamp, 4 gift notes and envelopes, and even a Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Spot!

"Inspired By Nature" Gift/Decor Class

Hope you had a good long weekend! I had a nice, relaxing weekend and had some time to play with my Bigshot, as well as the "Inspired by Nature" set. This set is so fun and easy to use! It is currently on the dormant list, which means it is available to order but not shown in the current catalogue. The smaller framed piece uses the "Upsy Daisy" set as well. I cased the card from Jody Morrow.

Here are the details on the class:

You will make 3 beautiful projects in this class, perfect for gift-giving or to keep for yourself! The projects will include two framed pieces and a card, all using the "Inspired By Nature" stamp set. The framed art pieces would make a great Mother's Day or teacher gift, and you can customize the greetings to suit your needs. I am offering two options for this class:

Option A: $35 - Includes the "Inspired By Nature" set and all three projects (You are getting the class for FREE if you choose this option!)
Option B: $15 - Includes all three projects

Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 7 - 9 pm

Please RSVP by April 26 so I can order your stampset in time for the class.

Card Case

This is the card case we made at my Flight of the Butterfly class to hold all the cards and envelopes in. The ladies loved it! I got the idea from Julie Buhler's blog. It only takes one 8.5 x 11" sheet of cardstock to make, plus the smaller scraps of DSP and cardstock. I used SU's Urban Garden DSP for this one and some retired Hodgepodge Hardware to keep it closed.

It looks like spring has finally arrived here in Metro Vancouver; I'm going to get out there and enjoy the sunshine! Thanks for looking!