Haven't seen me in a long time...we've been busy, but who isn't ?

Material Girl!!

Fabric is big right now!  I love all the great colors and patterns!  It's now given me a reason to break out my sewing machine and I've loved using it with my Big Shot. 
Here are some awesome quilts made with STAMPIN'UP Dies! 


Here is a scripture bag I made for Bailey. (She actually took this picture!)  I'll have to take another one of the "front" of the bag with it buttoned up!  I used the scallop square die. 

Here are some FAQ:

What type of fabric will the Big Shot cut? The Big Shot will cut all types of fabric. For a complete list of Big Shot-approved materials, click here.

How many pieces of fabric can I cut at a time? That depends on the fabric. Different fabrics vary in thickness. For example, your Big Shot can cut through eight layers of cotton, which is a relatively thin fabric, but it will only cut through one layer of faux fur, which is a very thick fabric.

Do you shim fabric in a Big Shot differently than paper? No. Your Big Shot works the same with fabric as it does with paper. Different fabrics vary in thickness, much the same as different paper materials vary in thickness. If you are only cutting one layer of a very thin fabric, you might need to use a piece of card stock as a shim just as you would if you were only cutting one layer of thin paper.

Will all Big Shot dies cut fabric? You can cut fabric with any of the Sizzix steel-rule dies (Originals, Bigz, Bigz L, and Bigz XL). You cannot cut fabric with Sizzlits, Embosslits, Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, or Texturz Plates.

Will dies with score lines ruin my fabric? You can still use dies with score lines to cut fabric. The score lines will slightly distress your fabric, but shouldn't damage it permanently. However, we recommend that if you are using dies with score lines to only cut one or two layers at a time (depending on the thickness of your fabric). If you try to cut too many layers at a time, it is possible that the score lines could tear your fabric.

Will cutting fabric with the Big Shot dull my dies? The Big Shot steel-rule dies (Originals, Bigz, Bigz L, and Bigz XL) were designed to work on several different types of materials. For a complete list of Big Shot approved materials, click here. Cutting fabric with your Big Shot dies will not result in any damage to your dies, and will not dull them any faster than cutting paper will.

Should I wash my fabric before working with it? It really depends on the fabric. Some lower-quality fabrics will shrink after they're washed, which could result in your project coming apart. However, many quilters don't wash their fabric first because the fabric is stiffer and easier to work with before it's washed. And if you use higher-quality fabrics, they will likely not shrink.



I don't have a sewing machine. Can I still create fabric projects? Yes! The world of fabric crafting is as varied as the world of paper crafting. There are several alternatives to using a sewing machine. You can create many simple designs sewing by hand using a needle and thread or even a hot glue gun. In addition, fusible web is a great option for creating one-of-a-kind fabric crafts.

What is fusible web, and how does it work? Fusible web is a manmade fiber that will melt when heated with an iron and become sticky. When it is placed between two pieces of fabric, the melting of the web causes the fabrics to fuse together making it possible for you to adhere the fabric without the use of a sewing machine. Fusible web is available in rolls (similar to tape), in pre-packaged pieces, or is sold by the yard in your local fabric store.

Charm packs, layer cakes, and fat quarters. What are they? Charm packs, layer cakes, and fat quarters are terms for precut cotton that is generally used for quilting. Charm packs include a variety of coordinating fabrics cut into 5" x 5" squares. The packs have an assortment of patterned and solid fabrics, and their small size makes them ideal for using on quilt blocks. Layer cakes are just like charm packs, but they are larger in size, with the cotton cut into 10" x 10" squares. Fat quarters are pieces of cotton cut into quarter yard segments. However, instead of being cut vertically, like you would cut a piece of fabric off a bolt, fat quarters are cut horizontally first, giving you a piece of cotton that measures 18" X 22". All of these options are a great way to get a good selection of fabrics at a relatively inexpensive price.

Here is a cute flower is made from the 5-point star die.
Written instructions for making the quilt square are available here.

I will try and post more pics of my fabric and Big Shot creations soon!  Let me know if you are wanting personal demonstation or have any questions! 

Muffin Tin Advent Calendar


Look what I made with a muffin tin and a fun set, 25 and Counting, in the new Holiday Mini Catalog!  I have used tiny magnets on the back of each square so they are easily removable and reusable each year! 

I will be holding two class times so you can have a great Advent calendar for your home, too! 

 Saturday, October 29th
AND/or
Thursday, Nov. 3rd during the day (while the kiddos are at school ;)


Everything will be cut out and ready for you to just stamp and assemble!
Pre-Payment is required to register for the class.
 Refreshments are served.
A fun way to get ready for the holiday season!


Heart Treat Cups






Check out this cute stamp set that's designed to go with the new Sweet Treat cups. Set of 5. Wood Mount $21.95. Cling Mount $15.95.


Sweet Treat cups are self-adhesive and come in a package of 12 for $2.95.


http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/HeartFlyer_US.pdf





Get Stamps, Give Back


Until the 28th,

Stampin'Up will donate $2 from every sale of I {heart} Hearts stamp set and donate it to the American Red Cross' Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

Set of 8. Wood Mount $26.95. Cling Mount $18.95.


http://www.stampinup.com/us/images/Haiti_Relief_0110_US.pdf


LoVe Spinning!

I saw this cute spinning card and thought it would be a great stamp club project. Here's a video that showed me how to make it! Hope you gals liked it.

10 Pocket Page Scrapbook

I'm excited to offer this fun class! Learn how to make a 10 Page Scrapbook with Pockets on every page! Here's your economical way to create an easy scrapbook that is great as a gift or for your personal keepsakes and memorabilia. Choose from three designs:
(click on links to see the pattern paper samples or just scroll down and see the pictures of the inside of the albums below.)
Bella Rose Designer Series Paper
Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper
Sweet Always Designer Series Paper

My class will be held all day- Fri. June 12th.
Just choose your Designer Series paper your time slot.
Morning 9-11, Afternoon 1-3:00 , Evening 5-7pm

The cost is $20 and that is with a Ten Dollar Credit towards any merchandise.
I'm not asking for your full payment, but I do need you to register by Saturday the 30th! Just call or e-mail me which album you want, and what time you will be arriving.
Thanks and See you soon! Bring a Friend and get to pick a gift from my special stash of goodies!


Here's the Bella Rose Album:
(Of course yours will be monogrammed accordingly! )


Here's the Good Morning Sunshine Album:



Here's the Sweet Always Album:




SERIOUSLY! Start YOUR Business for $75!!!

Or, just sign up to get your demo id # and start getting your discount!

This NEWSFLASH just in from Stampin’ UP:
In celebration of National Scrapbooking Month, join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator for only $75 with our limited-time Scrapbooking Starter Kit. The Scrapbooking Starter Kit contains the following:


YOUR CHOICE OF ANY PRICE Stamp set/OR ALPHABET ($43.95 value!)


YOUR CHOICE OF ANY Simply Scrappin Kit on pages 162-165 ($19.95 value)


YOUR CHOICE OF ANY Color family 12x12 Assorted Textured Cardstock ($11.95 value)


YOUR CHOICE OF ANY Color CRAFT INK PAD ($7.50 value)

If you’d like to read another post of Q&A a hobby or business demonstrator is all about, click here! You can do this just as a hobby for yourself and save on tax and shipping or do it as a business - it it up to you.
The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit:
Getting Started DVD
Getting Started Guide
Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
Idea Book & Catalog (8)
Occasions Mini Catalog (8)
To My Hostess Envelope (10)
Recruit Folders (5)
Recruit Brochures (20)
Hostess Brochure (20)
Hostess Benefits Form (10)
Customer Order Form (50)
Call or email me if you have questions!

Some of my Sale-a-Bration Creations

All of these cards use FREE stuff you can earn during Sale-a-Bration (spend $50, get FRee patterned paper, ribbon and Stamps!) I'm sorry about the picture quality....I don't know why my camera can't focus at a close range. I'm going to pull out the manual and read about that asap!!

The saying on the bottom of the card uses a stamp from the Yummy set. It is designed to fit perfectly on the Top Note Die.

This one used the Slit punch to make the big (blue) scallops along the side.

This is made with the Polka Dot Punches set(again) and the punches they coordinate with:

I saw this idea from a fellow demonstrator and Loved This idea of using the 3 scallop circle to make a tree.

This one is with the same set but heat embossed with Silver Embossing Powder on our Brushes Silver Paper. I took the Mat Pack and pierced around the edges. We also have a new big heart punch that would punch it out also!

Sneak Peak: Easter Sets from the New Mini Catalog

Stampin’ Up surprised me with a special sneak peek SALE that starts today!
Our upcoming Occasions Mini catalog begins April 1st.

Stampin’ Up is making 3 of the stamp sets available early! The memo said they wanted to give YOU a chance to get your Easter and Spring cards stamped early.

There are more sets and cool accessories in the mini catalog due out April 1st but you’ll have to wait to get your mini catalog to see the rest.

Sale A Bration freebies still apply! Spend $50 and receive a SAB item free! Click HERE if you need a reminder of what the freebies are. (anything you see without a price is free - 6 to choose from) To order any of these items shown below, email me or shop 24/7 on my SU website here.



Ghirardelli® Treat Box

Who doesn't love a little treat? Especially if it comes in a cute little box.

Need: One 4 1/4" x 8" piece of cardstock

One 2" x 8 1/4" piece of patterned paper, optional

Step 1
Score the short side of your cardstock strip at 1" and 3 1/4".

Hint:
Score at 1", then turn paper 180 degrees and score the other side at 1" again.

Step 2
Score your long side at 2", 3", 5" and 6".



Step 3
Cut off the outer strips 3" up on one end. This will create your box flap.

Step 4
Use a bone folder to crease score lines.
Step 5
Cut the 1" score lines on both sides.



Step 6
Add double stick tape to the edges and put together.


Step 7
Trim box flap. Here, it was cut down 7/8".
Your box is done. It's time to decorate it with patterned paper/stamps.


Step 8
Create a closure for the box by stamping or punching/cutting out a small image.

Add foam tape on the lower part of the back of that image.

Adhere the punched piece to the lower part of your box so that the lid can slipped underneath.




Fill with chocolate.



Sale-a-Bration Ideas

Stampin’ Up’s annual gift-with-purchase sale is a fan favorite! Spend $50 and choose from 6 special items - Free!



Promotion Dates: February 1- March 31, 2009

Promotion Details:
Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase.

Hostesses: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product with a $300 or more workshop, in addition to the normal hostess benefits.

Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (a value up to $47.95) from the current catalog when signing up during the promotion. PLUS 15% OFF the Starter Kit Price! ONLY $169! This is such a great deal!

Here are a few samples of some Sale A Bration freebies!

So there are 4 stamp sets as part of the items you can choose when you spend $50. What are the other 2??
A ribbon bundle with 10 yards each of So Saffron and Certainly Celery, both are 5/8″ wide!

Double Sided Paper pack called Delicate Dots that has 4 designs, 4 sheets each! Colors are celery, saffron, bashful blue and sahara sand. Very spring/summery!
It is going to be a GREAT promotion!

CLICK THE BROCURE IN THE UPPER RIGHT TO SEE THE ACTUAL STUFF!













All-in-One Stationery Box

Here are some pictures of my upcoming class!
The Class will be held on Sat. Feb. 28th
In two sessions:
A) morning 10:00 AM-Noon
B) afternoon 2:00-4:00 pm

Come and make this great little box that has a ton of stuff inside...3 reg. size cards and envelopes, 3 note cards and envelopes, 3 tags, slots for mailing/return address labels, postage stamps and a pen!

Anything you'd need to send someone a quick note or card! Makes a cute gift for moms, friends, neighbors, anyone!

The cost is $10.






*Designer Series paper and colors subject to change*

The FACTS of LIFE (if you're addicted to Stamps!)

Warning: Long winded post ahead!
I get asked this question all the time “What comes in the Stampin’ Up Starter kit?” The next question is “Ok, so what’s the catch?” or “what do I have to do to stay active?”
(I realize that a lot of you reading this are demonstrators and already know the ins and outs so if you stop reading, I won’t be offended!)

No sugarcoating- just the facts, ma’am!
What comes in the Kit? The Starter kit contains $335 worth of products for 199.00 - and now you can pay for it it three easy payments.
- You choose 4 stamp sets, this price or lower: 21.95, 28.95, 32.95, 37.95.
- One regular wheel 6.50
- A handle for your wheel
- Choose your ink cartridge color for wheel
- Full box of pastels (49 colors)
- 2 packs of assorted cardstock (choose your color group) 72 sheets total
- Pack of white or vanilla cardstock - 40 sheets
- Snail adhesive (refillable)
- Choose a 20.95 Décor Element (vinyl)
- Stampin’ Scrub and mist cleaner (a must for any stamper!)
- Versamark pad (clear ink used for watermarks or embossing)
- 3 Blender Pens
- 5 classic ink pads, your choice of color
- Tons of business supplies like a box of 8 catalogs, mini catalogs, our Demonstrator magazine and order forms.
What is the catch? Other than a totally addictive hobby, it’s pretty easy. I’ve had more trouble and headaches trying to switch cell phone plans. That took 3 hours. Signing up to be a demonstrator? 20 minutes. Online. And you get your password to go onto the Demonstrator Only Website right away while you wait for your kit to arrive in a week to 10 days. What if I decide to not place any orders and just enjoy my kit? Stampin ‘Up will just drop you after your quarter is up. No penalties, nothing to give back, no note sent home to your parents.


How much do I have to order to stay active? $300 retail. The Stampin’ Up quarter runs Jan, Feb, March. So if you sign up Feb 1st, you would get your first quarter free of minimums. Apr-may-June is the next quarter so you would have to your $300 in orders by the end of June. It can be ALL at once, or in smaller orders. With just your own orders or friends adding to it. You can be your own hostess, so with your 20% off as a demonstrator, the 300 goes down to 240.00 but then add back in 10% shipping and then tax. If you are 7% tax like me, then it comes out to around 285.00. BUT as your own hostess, you can get a free hostess set and 25.00 free merch. So it pays off if you are looking for a discount and you are going to spending that much on stamp stuff anyway.
Bonus: This is why some people sign up if they have a huge wish list or want something big like the BIG SHOT: You get 30% (instead of 20%) off your first order over 150.00 if you place it within 45 days of signing up. Be your own hostess + get a big discount = no brainer.
How do I know who to sign up with?
Do you want/need lots of training in stamping techniques or computer help? Do you want to stamp with a group or attend events or meetings?
Then I would recommend that you should find someone local to sign up with. Find a demonstrator who has monthly or quarterly events or training so you can learn all you can and stamp often! Our group here in Davis County meets monthly and we have a great time stamping together. Use the demo locator on the SU website at http://www.stampinup.com/ and click on Find a Demonstrator. Look for someone with a website and check out her events.
If you are already a seasoned stamper who doesn’t necessarily need one-on-one training, decent on the computer and is happy to do your own thing, then it isn’t as important to sign up with someone locally. Personally I would sign up with someone who has been doing it for more than a few years, is established and offers some long distance support.

Do I have to have classes or workshops?
Some demonstrators do it as a career and support themselves full time with it. It’s a lot of work but it can be done. More than half of the demonstrators in my group do it just for the discount or hobby. There is no requirement to host or teach any classes. Now if you want help with putting in the orders, we call those Bread and Butter customers. Those are the friends or family that you can stamp with each month or every other month so they can order a few things from you. Every little bit helps! And if you are like me, one day you may need extra money and that’s how I started doing it more as a business. When times get tough, sell stamps!
What is in the Demonstrator Only Website?
Gee whiz, there is so much in there that I couldn’t list it all. 5 years of back issues of our Stampin’ Success magazines (which arrive in our mail monthly), projects, templates, articles, some videos, Stamper’s Showcase (3-4 samples uploaded daily from demonstrators who submitted their samples) and Workshop Wizard, which has more projects.
Some people sign up just for the preorders. Maybe this has happened to you: You are on a website and see this awesomely cute card and say “I want that set!” but it’s not available for another month and then you get mad because the demonstrators already have it and are using it? Then you should be a demonstrator and get the upcoming mini catalogs or promotional stuff before anyone else!

If you have more questions, feel free to call or email me anytime. I’d be happy to steer you to the upline who is right for you to sign up with or sign you up with me to be a part of my group.
How do I sign up? A lot of demonstrators have a DBWS, which is a Demonstrator Business Website. As demonstrators, we pay 12.95 a month for it and it is wonderful! Stampin’ Up keeps it updated for us and we can add our own projects, calendar and special touches. One of the perks is that you can sign up online and get your demonstrator password immediately! Mine is http://www.getstampy.stampinup.net/ and you can check it out. Whoever you sign up with, you will need a recruiter password. (Mine is GETSTAMPY for those who are ready to sign up!)

Congrats on making it through a very long post!

Ruth Schow

ruthbschow@msn.com

801-447-9055

World Card Making Day

We Had a great time celebrating World Card Making Day on Saturday. I decided to try and get a jump start on Christmas Cards. Mainly to get my rear in gear, since I've never sent out Christmas cards. Shhh, Don't tell anyone. I've justified to myself by saying "I've sent out cute Baby Announcements!" I guess that that was only a good excuse for the two years I had my kids. Well, you can get me on record for saying that I'm going to get them done this year!
These are the 10 cards we did. The cards were done in pairs. The ingredients for a pair or the card were almost the same. (At least using the same ink and cardstock, and supplies as their partner.) Some were easier than others, but all in all, everyone's turned out darling.

This was my sister's favorite card from the stack. No Stamping involved. She's such a complainer if she can't stamp something straight. Like some other people I know...You know who you are! "Don't be scared of the stamps!...It's just paper, you won't hurt it."
This card uses the new Felt Flurries from the Holiday Mini. Paper Piercing, White gel pen and White Grosgrain Ribbon.


Sorry about this bad photo of this one. We used Lovely as a Tree set and Sincere Salutations. Stamp the big tree 1st. Mask it with a post-it. Cut the third largest oval with the coluzzle and layer that over the masked tree. Stamp the group of trees with the same Mellow Moss ink and sponge a little Blue ink with a Stipple brush for the sky. Remove the oval mask and stamp greeting. Put the oval mask over and paper pierce around the group of trees. Tie Moss Gingham ribbon around card. Add dazzling diamonds (in the picture, they don't show up, but look really pretty IRL) to the ground and the trees.

Using the Punch Pals set make a cute wreath out of the Scallop Circe and the 1 1/4 " Circle punches. Only one ink Color on this one: Garden Green. Other sets used are: Taffy Alphabet and Canvas Background (again, sorry that in the photo, it doesn't show up)


Same Punch Pal Set. Stamped Penguin and Tree in Basic Black ink. Outlined images with markers and added Red Gingham ribbon for a scarf. I saw Brent Steel at convention a few years ago stamp this cute guy holding the tree. Thanks Brent for the inspiration!

This Cute little Gingerbread man is from the Deer Friends Hostess level 2 set. Isn't he cute?! Used a wheel for the stars on top and the Happy everything set. All Chocolate Chip ink.
I used my sideline Vicky's idea of dying Crystal Effects with Re-inker ink to make the shinny red nose for Rudolph. Just make sure to let the Crystal Effects dry for a long time. I'm talking 40 minutes before you even touch him to put the card together. I had my gals stamp this one first and finish it last!
This is a pocket card. Held together with Blue Grosgrain Ribbon and Blue Gingham ribbon. The Picture cut half of it off. I really need to improve my photography skills! Two Cool Dudes set for this one. Only Pacific Point Ink on this one. There was bashful blue ink in the Snowflakes wheel, though. Stamp two Snowmen, and cut one out and pop up with dimensional. There is scraps of cardstock to the left of the snowman, because my shipment of Pacific Point Stripped Ribbon didn't show up in time, and I felt like it needed something.

Same ink and stamp set for this one. Used 1/2" and 3/4" circle punches to punch this snowman out. Need to stamp him three times. But ain't he cute!

Here we did Versamark and Garden Green Chalk for an oldie but goody technique called Poppin' Pastels. But I had them to a cool fold for the card. Used our new Square Scallop Punch Love it!) and the Punches Three Hostess Level 1 set. See the Green Circle that has a Slit Punch inside it that hold the red Cardstock down, til you pull the card open? It's the Inside Circle that you punched out of the Wreath for the "Joy" card above. I wasn't going to waste it! LOL.

Versamark on Garden Green and punched out with the same Scallop Square punch. Used dimensionals to attach. Red Riding Hood Ink and Ribbon. Another new punch added to the bottom...The Scallop Edge Punch! Added White gel pen dots. Easy Peasy.
Hope this inspires you (and me) to get those Christmas cards done early so you're able to enjoy time with those you love (and have to get together with) this upcoming the holiday season.