Love U!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!  A little bit early, I know but the little banner was a fun way to kick off Sale-a-Bration.  Mainly using the Big Sh/2ot and a variety of punches the banner was really simple to put together.  I used the Top Note Die from the Big Shot and scored it at 1 1/2 inches.  This made the base of the tags.  The goodies and extras are from the Sweet Shoppe Suite in the Occasion Mini. 

More Sale-a-Bration News!

Joining Stampin' Up! is Easy and Fun!

Joining anytime is great, but joining now is fabulous!
Join for Just $125!
Chose from our Starter Kits and join during Sale-A-Bratino for just $125 (regularly $175)! You'll receive product and business supplies valued at over $340.
Free Products for the Rest of 2012
Besides an amazing price on your starter kit, you'll also get a free pack of Designer Series Paper (excludes Specialty Designer Series Paper) or a digital download every month for the rest of the year! Simply place a demonstrator order each month and you'll be able to choose a qualifying paper or digital download for free! (does not include shipping and handling charges).
Our starter kits are created exclusively for new demonstrators, contain Stampin' Up! essentials you'll need to get started in your new business. You can choose between the standard Starter Kit and the Digital+ Starter Kit. Both Starter Kits are customizable allowing you to choose products that you want to run your business your way

The standard Starter Kit includes Four complete stamp sets (including a clear-mount set and clear-mount block) A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge   Assortment of Designer Series Paper and card stock White envelopes (40) Four Classic Stampin' Pads Two Stampin' Write markers VersaMark Pad Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon Always Bird Décor Elements and applicator Adhesives Blender pen Color Coach Cupcake Punch Stamping sponge Stampin' Scrub and Mist  Box of Idea Book & Catalogs Business forms and tools

The Digital+ Starter Kit includes My Digital Studio digital designing software His & Hers Digital Content Collection DVD One clear-mount stamp set (including a clear-mount block) Assortment of card stock Note cards and envelopes (20) Four Classic Stampin' Pads   Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon Brights Designer Buttons Always Bird Décor Elements and applicator Adhesives Blender Pen Stampin' Scrub and Mist  Box of Idea Book & Catalogs Business forms and tools

Plus, if you'd like to add scrapbooking, home décor, or digital designing to your business, we also offer three optional add-ons: the Stampin' Memories add-on, the Definitely Decorative add-on, and the My Digital Studio add-on. These add-ons give you a great sampling of products you can use to showcase Stampin' Up!'s Stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, and digital designing lines. Talk to your demonstrator for more information.

On your mark, get set...

Are you ready?  Sale-a-Bration starts tomorrow!  For every $50 you spend you get a free choice from the Sale-a-Bration catalog!  There are lots of stamp sets, ribbon bundles, My Digital Studio options, beautiful Designer Series Paper and more!

Today I was working on another insert for my shadow boxes with a spring theme in mind.  Using lots of goodies I got early from the Sale-a-Bration catty (that happens when you're a SU demo), I'm pretty happy with the result.  Somehow my stamping seems to be going in a vintage-y direction.  Although I'm just going with the flow, I'm a bit surprised.   As soon as I opened this little jem, I fell in love with the Fresh Vintage Stamp set and the coordinating Everyday Enchantment DSP.  This set really highlights my favorite In Colors anyway, so putting it all together was easy.  Love that SU offered a great ribbon/brad bundle and such cuties those little brad are!  Lucky Limeade and Calypso Coral are the stars of this show with a little Peach Parfait thrown in to balance.

And something else to keep in mind...Workshop Hostesses receive additional benefits and for any sale over $150 (which isn't hard to do when you see all of the beautiful options in the Occasions Mini Catalog) you get a really fantastic Stampin' Up! reusable tote, too!  Contact me to book your workshop, register for your class or just place your order!

GO!!!

Go, hurry, place your order today!  Sale-a-Bration starts today!!!  For every $50 you spend, you get a choice from the SAB catalog.  Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to book a workshop.  Remember, Workshop Hostesses get additional benefits!

You can place your order through my Stampin Up website and it will be delivered directly to you!

Berry Blossom Bling...Take 2

Just a quick post today.  A couple of weeks ago I posted a cute card featuring the Berry Blossoms DSP.  Well I just had to make a couple more.  You can never have too many rhinestones, right?  I wonder how much it would cost if I ordered all of the Big Shot accessories?  I can never make up my mind but there has to be a few more things on my next order! 

Good News:  Sale-a Bration begins next week!  Just wait til you see what's offered!  I'll have a couple of samples made from product from the Mini Catalog on Monday!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  Ink up those stamps and pull out the bling!

Holiday Happiness

Last weekend some lovely ladies came over for the Holiday Accordion Album class.  Mel was gracious enough to let me share hers...these little albums just take on a life of their own when you add the pictures!  I have a number of blank ones for sale if anyone is interested as well.  Contact me for more information.

 Using the Stampin ' Up! Simply Scrappin' Kit can often simplify your projects.  The one featured here was in the Holiday Mini.  Look for the next Stamp-a-stack class coming in March.  You will have your choice of two new Simply Scrappin' Kits!

Mojo Monday...Yes, I know it's Tuesday!

Okay.  Here's the deal...I want 125 followers by the end of the week..  (Now if my father saw this, he would say, "No, Amy...you would like to have 125 followers"...Well let's hope Dad doesn't see this!)  Over the past nine + years, I have mainly been a hobby demonstrator with Stampin' Up!  Well the time has come to do what I love.  Funny that it's taken me so long to get to this point considering one of the sayings from Stampin' Up! is Love what you do, Share what you love.  So, I invite you all to become followers if you have not already, and ask you to share my blog with your friends.  Given a little TLC and sweetness (and lots of hard work from me), this little bud of a business will certainly bloom!  Thank you ahead of time for your help...

Now onto today's (okay, yesterday's) challenge:  Mojo Monday!  It was a really universal sketch to work with but I ended up going with some of the new Sweet Shoppe products from the new Occasions Mini.  There are so many accessories and a great array of colors.  Lovin' Pool Party and Calypso Coral!  And I really hope that the ruffled ribbon stays for a while! 

This morning on one of the talk shows, maybe the Today Show, I don't really remember, a fashion segment declared Polka Dots are IN!  Well that makes this paper super fashion forward!  Add a little shimmer paint for frosting and that sweet eyelet border and this card looks good enough to eat!

See you tomorrow with a few pictures of the Holiday Accordion Album Class.  Remember to share A+ Stamping Solutions with your friends!  Have a great day!

Create with Connie & Mary Challenge

 The new year has begun and behind the scenes here at A+ Stamping Solutions, many changes are underway.  I've set many achievable goals and committed to increasing my "little stamping business".

One of the things I love doing is participating in the blog challenges that are on some of my favorite blogs.  Today's challenge comes from www.createwithconnieandmary.com


It was a sketch challenge and I pulled out one of my favorite punches, the postage stamp and the fun Sweet Shop DSP from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  That whole suite of products is just delicious!  Lots of cupcakes, candy, ice cream and more!  The accessories that Stampin' Up! has paired with it make putting your cards together a breeze. 

  The Sweet Shop is great for birthday goodies as well as some fun summer scrapbook pages. I've got some plans for a few Valentine Treats coming up too!

Enjoy the other challenge entries...I hope they inspire you to get some ink on your hands today!

Beautiful Color Combination

Albums, albums and more albums!  This was an order for the bride and the mother of the bride.  I was given the wedding invitation and asked to compliment it.  Unfortunately the paper doesn't come from SU but I was able to use lots of SU accessories...pearls, rub on's, chipboard, card stock and other accessories.  I just love putting these together.  Every one is different...I'm not sure if I could even make two come out the same!

Although I love them like this, the albums really come to life with pictures added.  I invite you to try one of your own or contact me today for class options.

Have You Filled A Bucket Today?

There is a fantastic book by Carol McCloud, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide for Daily Happiness for Kids.  If you haven't read it, regardless of your age, I suggest that you do.  It's about being aware of doing for others on a daily basis.  Smile at someone, say something positive, do something helpful...

One of the schools I substitute at did a really wonderful thing for our family over the holidays and we were unbelievably grateful.  A small way of showing my appreciation was to bring in a bucket filled with goodies and a card.  Take a moment to notice how wonderful people are and be thankful!

This was a card front made by one of the stampers in the Clearly Creative group that I attached to a base.  The bucket was decorated with some retired Stampin' Up! rub ons.   That is a great tool to keep in your stamp supply, you never know when they will come in handy!

A Bit of Bling

Such a simple card, I just had to share!  I seem to have to small obsession with rhinestones lately...I've been adding them to everything! 

The base is Wisteria Wonder, next layer is Pear Pizzazz with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  Then there is a layer of Berry Blossom DSP on Calypso Coral. 

A few little rhinestones and a (retired) piece of Kiwi Kiss grossgrain ribbon complete the look. 

Enjoy!

Holiday Leftovers

Deck the Halls!  I know...a bit late but I was so busy during the holidays I neglected my blog...so very sorry!  This was the wreath I made my mom for Christmas (well, really my daughter but it together and she'd be upset if I didn't mention that!).  Because the fabric was called Deck the Halls, I just assumed my mother would hang it for the holidays.  However, she hung it in her bedroom and it looks amazing!  The walls are painted a cranberry and the wreath just stands out beautifully!

Another little goodie we passed out for Christmas was cocoa mix (recipe from allrecipes.com) in mason jars dressed up with some Candy Cane Christmas fabric and Santa tags!  This was a fun recipe and activity with my kids.

 Check out the little mica flakes on Santa's beard...
The tag was embossed in Cherry Cobbler and layered onto Bashful Blue Card Stock.  I included the directions, a bag of mini marshmallows and chocolate dipped spoons to the bags as well.

The From Santa stamp is from Stampin' Up!'s  a la carte menu...love when I can pick up just one cute stamp!

I better start thinking of Valentine Treats soon! 

Special Delivery!!!

What better way for a paper crafter to begin a new year than spending time stamping and creating with one of the greatest people in her life?!  I can't think of a better way to kick off 2012...I've been so busy getting ready for classes and working on my new etsy.com shop that I didn't even realize that today was the day that the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog launches!

Wait til you see it!  There are options for every style...lots of vintage options, adorable Sweets suite, so many holiday goodies...Valentine's, Easter, Mom & Dad's Day and more!  Also really exciting is the new line of Framelits for the Big Shot!  The new embossing folders, punches, and dies are so great! 

So...check it out, click on the catalog cover above, let me know what you think!  Coming up next week is my Sweet Shop Suite class...register for class today on my website.