MANLY MANIA IS COMING UP!

I have a Manly Mania Stamp-A-Stack class on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. You can sign up for class in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to Noon OR in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We will make eight cards (two of each of the four designs below). Class fee is $15, and it is a prepay class (you must pay when you sign up for class). Use my calendar link on the left to view details for all upcoming classes and events. Don't forget to RSVP!

TOP NOTE AND GAME NIGHT!

The background for this card is made with the Top Note Die with a twist. I added some stamps from the Game Night stamp set for a focal point, and I think it will make a great masculine card. You can put sentiments for different occasions on the inside, and it can be used for almost any occasion.

UNDER THE STARS!

This is one of my favorite stamp sets! There is just something about this bear that makes me smile! We'll be making this card at our Manly Mania event. Check out my calendar for details!

NATURES SILHOUETTE

This card uses Natures Silhouette and makes a great masculine card. We'll be making it at the Manly Mania class in February.

INSPIRED BY NATURE FOR MANLY MANIA!

What a simple, easy card to make! I used Inspired By Nature and then added some slot punches to make them look like cattails. We will be making this card at our Manly Mania get together on Tuesday, February 3rd.

FREE SHIPPING TUESDAY!

Just a reminder that as a "special" for my customers, any order you place with me on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 will receive FREE shipping. You must place your order before midnight on Tuesday to receive the special. You can telephone me at 248.652.4606 with your order, or email it to me at ckolly@stampingismybusiness.com

EMAIL PROBLEMS!!

I just got a notice from my email server that the difficulties I experienced last week with my email service had be rectified. I am not sure what that meant, since I did not know I was having difficulties. BUT, if you sent me an email over the past week that I did not respond to, please resend the email to me. I hate to think I'm missing some news from anyone!!! THANK YOU.

WEDNESDAY WORK DAYS!

On my blog I often share "work product" from our Wednesday demonstrator get together. In fact, I have posted a few things just today for you to admire.

Here is the low-down on Wednesdays: Every Wednesday I put in a full day at work (my husband always offers to drive me to the office~~since it's in my basement, I politely decline and am thankful that thus far I can make it there under my own power). I work diligently along with dear friends and fellow demonstrators to come up with some wonderful, artistic creations. We take a break for lunch, business chatter, chocolate, coffee, friendly conversation and, of course, lots of support for one another!

I consider my Wednesday work day (my family refers to it as my "princess" day...they just don't understand ;o) one of the perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. If you have considered becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and taking advantage of the many benefits being a demonstrator offers, now might just be the right time. In the midst of this economic slowdown the 20% demonstrator discount might be the perfect incentive to still be able to afford your habbit! Please contact me if you have any questions about becoming a demonstrator or if you just want more information about all the great benefits of working with Stampin' Up!

BEAUTIFUL BRACELET!

I just loved this bracelet Silvia made for all the demonstrators that get together each week, and I had to try it. I originally thought I would do it with a group, but it is rather time-consuming, so I just put some together this weekend that I will be using for door prizes at my New Catty Craze on Tuesday. It is made with DSP that is cut into long, thin, angular strips and then rolled into little beads. How clever!!

BE MINE!

I think this is an adorable Valentine's Day card, and a perfect example of how you can take your stamp set and "adapt" it to a holiday. Ronnie made this card at our weekly demonstrator work day!

WE DID IT!!!

Here is a really big THANK YOU for all my blog visitors!!! This morning my counter went over 10,000 visits. I am so excited, and I feel so honored to have so many visitors. I hope all of you keep on visiting, and I will keep trying to post some things that you'll find interesting and inspiring.

RECORD HIGH!!

It looks like I may soon see 10,000 hits on my Blog!! I cannot believe there are so many people visiting my blog (or maybe it's only two of you and you keep on looking??) I made a New Years resolution to be nicer to myself this year, so I'm spending more time in the Rubber Room and more time sharing my creations. I am thrilled to have my blog so I can share them with all of you. Please visit often!!!

GAME NIGHT GROOVE!

Michelle preordered the Game Night stamp set from the new catalog, and it caused a little bit of a craze for our Wednesday demonstrator group. This is a card the Michelle made. I knew I did not need to purchase that stamp set, but after seeing her cards, I did NEED to play with it a bit. I have posted a few of the creations we came up with. I hope you enjoy!

REMEMBER WHEN WE USED TO PLAY SORRY?

When we were younger my brothers and sisters and I used to love to play board games. I spent countless hours playing Sorry, and I must admit I was VERY good at it. This card seemed like the perfect one to send my sister (who wasn't very good at Sorry) for her birthday. Of course, I had already missed her birthday, so it was even a bit more fitting.

GAME NIGHT FUN!

I borrowed Michelle's Game Night, which is a stamp set in our new Stampin' Up! catalog. I have been having lots of fun with it. This card was a really easy one to do. I just cut up some of the Patterned Paper, which was a Level 1 Hostess choice and added a few circles.... I think it makes a great "manly" card.

ANOTHER GAME NIGHT!

This is another card made with Game Night. Ronnie made this card at our demonstrator get together this week. She put tons of layers on it, and she even hand-wrote the "mate". Not sure why, but that really impreses me! I always feel so blessed to have so many talented demonstrators share their creations with me. I love our weekly get togethers and all the friendship and chatter!

OH MY GOODNESS!!

I may still be in a bit of shock (well, I for sure am in shock still; but it's a good shock). I have my own little class/workshop/event helper that I love dearly. She calls helping me cut cardstock and stuff envelopes her "social" time. AND to top it all off, she is a complete mizer with my cardstock. She is in heaven when she can cut pieces of cardstock for a card entirely from my scraps. Okay, I am so way digressing here..... My Mitzi was here this morning and I put her to work punching round tabs for labels for the new catalogs (just one more "surprise" for the gals attending my "Catty Craze"). After three long hours of punching, scoring and folding I finally let her leave.

I have one of those UPS guys that never comes until the later afternoon, so I was shocked when I opened up the door at 1:00 and there was a box there. Are you ready for this? Sitting down? IT WAS MY NEW CATALOGS!!! I could not believe it (in fact, I still can't believe it). I was hoping I would get them by Friday, but this was so cool!! I didn't get all I ordered, but I am hoping the rest of them will be here before my Catty Craze.

I can honestly say that this is my favorite Stampin' Up! catalog ever! The new stamp sets are awesome; the new accessories are so yummy (new ribbons, buttons....); texture plates and papers.... honestly the list just goes on and on!

If you need a FREE catalog or want to earn FREE products, contact me for details!

MORE LOVE YOU MUCH BUNDLE PROMOTION!

Here is another card made with the Love You Much bundle promotion. I think those little birds look cute in the wide oval punch!

CATTY CRAZE DOOR PRIZE!

This is one of the door prizes for my new catalog open house, the "Catty Craze". There will be two make and take items you can make; you can pick up your new catalog; lots of door prizes and a special for any order you place at the event.
Mitzi and I will be busy Tuesday morning preparing, so you much RSVP by Monday, January 12th at midnight if you plan to attend the "Catty Craze" on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009. You can come from 10:00 a.m. to noon OR from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This great little basket was made with the Big Shot scallop envelopes die, and it's filled with lots of chocolate!!

MORE JUST BUZZIN' BY!

These cards use the same size images, patterned paper and cardstock. I have switched the card layout from horizontal to vertical and used different accessories on each one to give them totally separate looks. Of course, the problem now is that I can't decide which one I like better!

JUST BUZZIN' BY!

Just Buzzin' By is a stamp set that will be in the new catalog (available January 19, 2009) that demonstrators could pre-order. My dear friend, Michelle, pre-ordered it, and at our last demonstrator get together she made this awesome card. She stamped the outside and the inside (that's like the double the work ;o).

Originally I did not NEED this stamp set, but Michelle left it here last week so I could "play" with it, and I am having tons of fun. It has so many possibilities that I may just have to take the plunge and put it on my order January 19th!

UNDER THE STARS MEETS LOVE YOU MUCH!

Isn't this just the most adorable? I had to have Under the Stars because this bear was so awesome. At our recent demonstrator get together Keri put these two sets together and came up with this really cute little card. The "base" is a scallop Big Shots die.

MEASUREMENTS FOR HERSHEY KISS HOLDER!

This is the candy kiss holder that I made in a class in December; and I have had a few requests for the measurements, so I am posting them below. This would make a great Valentine treat holder!

Cut your cardstock 5" x 6 1/2"
Score the 6 1/2" side at 1" and 5 1/2"
Score the 5" side at 1", 2", 3", and 4"

Cute into the 1" and 5 1/2" score lines on the 6 1/2" side on the score lines that are 1", 2", 3" and 4"

Then fold your box on all the score lines. Where you have cut, will become the ends of your box. I cut the top flap on a diagnol (just to give it a little different look). I added DSP that I cut at 3/4" x 4 1/2". You should cut 5 of these (one for each side of the box).

Decorate and add accessories as you like!

RSVP FOR 3D THURSDAY!

I know I posted these photos recently here, but I just wanted to remind everyone that 3D Thursday is January 15, 2009. These are the two projects we will be making. You will make all four 3x3 cards for your mini magazine holder; a mini magazine holder and this winter gift bag too. This is a "pay or order" class; which means you can pay $15 for the class OR you can place a minimum $25 order at class and all your projects are FREE! You must RSVP by Thursday, January 8, 2009 in order to attend. To RSVP, just email me at ckolly@stampingismybusiness.com

PUNCH CLUB IS COMING!

Punch Club will be January 27th, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon OR from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Below are two cards and a little candy treat box we will be making this month at Punch Club. You must place a minimum $25 order when you attend Punch Club, and the projects are FREE. Be sure to RSVP no later than January 20, 2009. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. You can email me at ckolly@stampingismybusiness.com

SCALLOP PUNCH FLOWER!

I used my scallop punch and some Prints Patterned Paper to make this great little flower. I topped it off with a flat-backed bead from my Pretties Kit. At Punch Club this month you can learn how to make one of these cool flowers!

LOVE YOU MUCH!

I think these two little birdies from the Love You Bunch stamp set are just adorable! They fit great in the wide oval punch too, what a bonus. I used circle punches, the large oval punch and the designer label punch to make my words "pop" a bit. This is another card we'll be making at Punch Club. RSVP soon to join the fun!

SCALLOP ENVELOPE DIE CUT BOX!

I love the way this little box turned out. It is made by putting two scallop envelope die cuts together, and it holds chocolate too :o) I used the Love You Much stamp set with the heart punch, the scallop circle punch and two other circle punches. Why so many punches you ask? Well, this is one of the projects we'll be making at Punch Club this month. You too can join us and make one of these great little boxes! Be sure to check out my calendar (link is on the left side bar) for all the details.

HUGE INVENTORY BLOWOUT SALE!

Stampin' Up! is offering an Inventory Blowout sale from January 5 through January 18th. You can choose from a selection of retired, retiring and current Stampin' Up! products for up to 50% off regular prices. This sale is offered while supplies last only. Be sure to get your orders in quickly so you aren't disappointed. Click on the chalkboard on my left-hand side bar for a complete list of items and their discounted prices. Use my "Online Ordering" button for 24/7 shopping, order from my website at http://www.cre8withchris.stampinup.net or email your order to me at ckolly@stampingismybusiness.com

TIME FOR SOME ACCESSORIES TO BE MOVING ON!

Well, with the new catalog just around the corner, it is time for some accessories to be moving on into retirement. All of the accessories that are going to retire are on a first-come basis. When they are gone, they are gone! Here is a complete list of what will be retiring:

RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST!

Item # Product Description
111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 Not Available
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER


*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.


Please note that some of these items are already gone! You can order by clicking the "Online Ordering" button on my right-hand side bar; from my website at http://www.cre8withchris.stampinup.net or email me at ckolly@stampingismybusiness.com

FRIDAY HOSTESS CLUB!

My Friday hostess club took December off, and they met the first week in November, so I have really been missing them! Below are three cards that we'll be making when we meet on Friday. We will also be making the stair-step card I posted a few days ago. They will be a busy group, but I am hoping they have lots of fun!

LOVE YOU MUCH!

Originally I made this card using some DSP from the Love You Much bundle, but since it is on backorder, I decided to go in a different direction so I would be able to share it with my hostess club this month. This is what I ended up with, but I really liked it when I was done. I used the Love You Much stamp set and the punch that comes with the bundle promotion. Then I stamped the polka dot background in chocolate chip ink on pretty in pink paper. I like this one because you can use it as a thank you card or a birthday card; it doesn't have to be for Valentine's Day.

BIG BIRTHDAY CANDLE!

I think that because of the colors on this card it will make a great birthday card for a male. It's one of those quick and easy cards!

UPSY DAISY FOR HOSTESS CLUB!

This is a card we'll be making at our hostess club this month. I love the way the round tab punch looks at the top with a little bit of the kiwi taffeta ribbon! I used Upsy Daisy and double-stamped it with Kiwi Kiss ink. Then I used the On Your Birthday stamp set for the greeting. I also used the scallop punch to add a little decoration to the bottom of the greeting. I am putting a little DSP on the cards for hostess club this month, in the hope of getting rid of some of the things I think will be retiring soon!

IN SEARCH OF A NEW HOME!

I have some retired stamp sets that are in desparate need of a new home this year! They have been stored in a box for way too long and are definitely feeling neglected and unwanted. We all know that is not good for the self-esteem of our rubber friends.


These stamps are being sold at a great price. Each stamp is $1. That means that if there are 6 stamps in the set, the stamp set is $6. The exceptions are Amazing to Zany and the two background stamps (Word By Word and Print Pattern), which are $10 each.

Please use the link for the $1 Stamp Sale on the left-side-bar of my blog to view the lonely, neglected rubber looking for a new residence!

STAIR-STEP VALENTINE FOR HOSTESS CLUB!

I love these stair-step cards, and so do lots of my customers. After several requests, I decided to come up with one that they could make at their hostess club in January. This is what I created for them. I used the Love You Much bundle promotion going on now at Stampin' Up! You can check out all the details of the promotion on my left-side-bar link. I also used the dormant-list stamp set Happy Heart Day. I made the scallop with the scallop die for the Big Shot and then used the heart punch in the bundle promotion, the word window punch and the wide oval punch. The little hearts came from the Sprinkles stamp set and just added a little bit more dimension to that "stair" of the card. I hope my club members enjoy this one!