Chris Stamps

I Won!!! I Won!!! I Won!!!!

Wow! I am so excited one of the great things about being a Stampin Up demonstrator is we get to enter contests. I enter my sales in a monthly contest with my upline and I  won!!! I get to choose $25 of my choice in Stampin up merchandise!!! Well where do I even begin? There is so much fun stuff to choose from I need your help! Leave me a comment what you would pick if you had $25 in free product!!! Also it's not to late to become a Stampin up demonstrator for only $75 start up fee. But time is running out. Check out the information at www.chrisgreten.stampinup.net

Sneak Peek of the Stampin Up 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog

The June issue of Creating Keepsakes features a die-cut favor box made with the new Stampin' Up! Fancy Favor Bigz XL die from the upcoming 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog.  This die and many more great new products, will be available for purchase on July 1, 2009, when the new Idea Book & Catalog is released.

   I am so excited about this I can't wait to play with it!!!! This new catalog is going to be incredible!!! Make sure you have reserved your copy by leaving me a comment or emailing me so that I order a catalog for you!!!! Contact me to find out how to earn a catalog free.

Want to get a Stampin Up Big Shot Free?

 

Stampin Up just announced some exciting news!!! During the month of June hostesses can earn double hostess dollars!!!! This is a fantastic deal!!!

The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts:

• Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.  That's $45 free!!! That is such an awesome deal!

• Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars. Oh my Gosh that is $95 in Free Merchandise of your choice!! That could be a Big Shot!!!! I can help you do this!!!

I still have some open dates for parties in June and I would love to help you earn a Big Shot or whatever you like! Contact me asap for details.

Retired Stampin Up List Contest

Can you believe that the new catalog is just around the corner?  I can't! And I can hardly wait!!! The retired list will be out June 1st and I thought a little friendly competition was in order!!! Email me with 10 stamp sets that you believe will retire(hostess sets do not count!) Make sure to email it to me don't leave a comment on the website or you might help someone else out!!! Whoever has the most correct stamp sets will win a $5 Stampin up Gift certificate from me. So grab your catalog and send me your list! You must have your list to me no later than midnight on May 30th.

Check Out Stampin Up on YouTube!

Check out Stampin Up on  YouTube!!! I am so excited that there is a YouTube Channel and there will lots of fantastic videos for us to watch!!!! You can check out many of the other cool videos already posted at

http://www.youtube.com/stampinupvideo

Pop Up Cake Die

I am so excited about this new Big Shot Pop Up Cake Die. It is so much fun!!! I could hardly stand it!!!! Looks much harder than it really is!!! I can't wait until the next wedding cause guess what is going to be in their card!!! Check out the cool video!!!!

 

After watching this you can order this die directly from me online by clicking on the link at the top of the page on the right!!! Or contact me and I can get one to you ASAP.

  Happy Stamping,

Chris

Tart And Tangy Ice Cream Card

Going through some boxes of samples I came across and oldie but goodie!!! I love this card it is so fun for a birthday invitation or any summer event!  Start out with a 4 1/4 x 5 piece of Only Orange Cardstock folded in half and round the corners except the upper right corner.

Punch white scallop and set aside. Punch circle from Only Orange with 1 3/8 punch set aside. Stamp orange from Tart and Tangy Stamp Set with Only Orange Ink and punch out with 1 1/4 circle punch. Assemble these pieces for the front, like the picture. Now back to your Only Orange Cardstock!  Punch a bite out of that one using the scallop punch. Punch through only one layer of cardstock at a time so you don't damage your punch. Now for the inside of the card.

Inside the card, using the horizontal punch, punch 2 slots in the bottom of the inside of the card on top of each other. Do this by pushing the punch all the way up and punch, and than drop it down a little and punch beneath the first one. Slide popsicle stick through and tie a knot with ribbon. Stamp whisper white piece with birthday greeting or other greeting ( I used the Smarty Pants Stamp Set)  punch out a bite and attach to the inside of the card using sticky strip.

 

Simple huh!!! and so stinkin cute!!! Here is a list of supplies used:

Card Stock: Whisper White and Only

Orange

Ink: Only

Orange

Stamps: Tart & Tangy and Smarty Pants

Accessories: Sticky Strip, 1-3/8" Circle and 1-1/4" Circle Punches, Horizontal Slot Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch Pumpkin Pie 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

If you love this card and want to make a bunch of them for your summer bash you can contact me to order the supplies or click the order online button at the upper right of the screen.

Happy Stamping, Chris

 

Hodge Podge Hardware Share

Do you love the Stampin Up Hodepodge Hardware!!! Would you like to own both kinds at a great savings? Now you can! I am offering a hodgepodge Hardware Share. Now you will receive a combination of the Sterling Silver and the Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware set.

 

Normally you would pay $35.96 (which includes tax and shipping) for one set of the hardware but now you can get a combination of both for that same price!!! Once I have 2 people sign up I will order both Hardware kits and split them up between you.  So you will get:

10 - Raised Dots Designer Holders

10 - Small Rectangle holders

10 - Small Raised Dots Designer Holders

10 - 1" Circle Holders

10 - Square Holders

10 - 1/2'Genuine Brads

10 - 3/8 Star Brads

10 - 1/2" Flower Brads

10-  3/8 Flower Brads

10-  Ribbon Slides

50 - Brads

Each type will be half Styled Silver and Half Styled Vanilla!! What a great deal! Plus you will get the tin as well.  This share is only valid until the end of May so order right now so you don't miss out!!!! Use the Handy Paypal link below to order your Hardware now or email me for other payment choices. If you are unable to pick up your Hardware Share please add $5 for priority Mail shipping.

How To Use Chalks

 

Using chalks for your cards making or scrap booking ideas is a fantastic way of adding extra color to your pages. Chalks can also be used to create shadows or to shade in the edges of torn or ripped paper.

Applying chalks to any project can be done in a variety of ways. There really is not any need to spend a large amount of money on specialized application sponges. You can simply use eye make up applicators, cotton buds, cotton wool all of which do the job just as well with a variety of looks, not to mention being a whole lot cheaper.

Using chalks can transform a piece of paper together with being relatively inexpensive and the results are always unique.

Before you begin to add chalk to any card making idea you have or to a piece of paper it is advisable to have a scrap piece of paper to hand so that you can experiment and work out which colors work well together. Depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be will be determined by how vigorously you brush the chalk on.

If you have begun to add the chalks to one of your card making ideas and have made a mistake, all is not lost, using an artists eraser will safely and effectively remove the chalk from the paper. This type of eraser is also handy for removing any stray chalk dust.

Once you have finished applying the chalk and are happy with the overall design you will need to use a fixative to stop the chalk from smearing. As tempting as it may be never use hairspray to set the chalk, it is particularly important if you are using the chalks for scrap booking because hairspray is not photo friendly and can react badly causing your photos to deteriorate.

Chalks are really great to use with rubber stamps. Using a Versmark inkpad to stamp the image you can then begin to apply the different chalk colors (remember to start with the lighter color first) and soon you will see the image begin to take shape.

Storing your chalks is important, it is recommended that you store chalks in a box with a lid and keep them as flat as possible, excessive banging and knocking of the box will cause the chalks to break up and worse of all mix together rendering them useless.

Chalks are extremely easy to get hold of, you can find them in most craft stores and they can also be obtained via the internet so keep your eyes open for a bargain!.

If you have never used chalks before it is well worth giving it a go, they are a great embellishing tool that will allow you to create works of art in seconds. They are inexpensive and a great way to create depth to any card making ideas.


Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas also providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Scrap Booking.

Stampin Up Pop Up Ball Die

Oh My gosh!!! You got to check out this video!!! I am so excited about this new die!!! I think I feel a fun class coming on where we can crank out some great gifts.  Watch the video and leave me a comment!!!

   

Don't forget to leave me a comment with your thoughts. I would love to have a class with this die.

And the Winner is......

About a week ago I posted the wedding invite I designed and asked you to share the link with your bride to be friends and also leave a comment. I put the names of all those that left a comment in and drew out the name of the winner of the assorted cardstock and that lucky person is Deanne R so yeah!!! Deanne I will give it to you at the next class. If you haven't see the wedding invite be sure to click here.

See the wedding invite here

Don't forget that I have a referral program with Stampin Up merchandise for any referral you pass my way and they order or come to a class!!! You will receive $5 in Stampin Up merchandise of your choice for each referral. Thanks again for leaving comments!!! Keep your eyes open for the next contest!!! Also be sure to join me on Face Book and Twitter there will be some exclusive posts, giveaways and contests on each group. You can follow me by clicking on the link on the left.

Scrapbooking Sketches - 8 Ways to Be More Productive

by Monna Ellithorpe

Your scrapbooking layouts can make all the difference in how your pages look. The key is to have many scrapbook sketches available already there for you to choose from and to help you get over those times when your own creative ideas are at a standstill.

Your pages do not have to be perfect by any means and sometimes you will produce a page that no matter what you do, you are just not happy with it. Don't stress over it, just put it in your scrapbook and move on.
Remember scrapbooking is supposed to be fun, so don't make it into a chore just to get it done.

When you do find a sketch or layout that you like, experiment with it. Make your page about just one picture; add more pictures or less pictures; move them around; put the pictures on an angle; line them up and down or across. Walk away from it for a while and come back later with a fresh outlook and then just make the page and start another one.

I have discovered in my own scrapbooking sessions that if I have a sketch to go by, the hard part is already done. All you need to do is embellish with ribbons, buttons, lettering, stickers, glitter or what ever kind of embellishments you like the most. Cutting your mats and pictures with decorative scissors or if you have cutters with different cutting edges always adds a nice touch to your pages; experiment with different cutting edges.

A very important part of scrapbooking is "do not forget the journal box on your pages." In the future when family and friends look at your creative scrapbooking efforts they will want to know what was happening at the time, who is in the picture and where they were. This will keep the interest of any one viewing your scrapbook pages. It is such a disappointment when looking at a scrapbook full of pictures and you have no idea of who the people are in the pictures; no dates; no notes; nothing. Journal on every page even if you cannot remember the details, put as much information in your journal block as you can.

If you have quite a few pictures of one outing, a birthday party or some other event, it is always a plus and if you have the room to lay out many sheets of cardstock and just start laying your pictures out on each piece of cardstock as you go along. I have used this technique quite a few times and have been able to produce up to 10 pages in one session in my scrapbooking room. Believe me it is a great feeling to get so much accomplished at one time.

Below are some suggestions to help make better use of your time with your hobby:

1. Gather all of your pictures together from a single event.

2. If you have the room, lay out many sheets of cardstock and lay the
pictures on the cardstock at random.

3. Have sketches available to use as a guide.

4. Gather your embellishments that you plan to use; maybe you have a theme or just plan to use whatever appeals to you at the time.

5. Decide if you are going to cut your mats and photos with a straight edge or with a decorative edge.

6. Do not forget to make a journal box for each of your pages.

7. Don't worry if you are not able to finish your pages at one time. At least you have a start and the next time you have a few minutes a good portion of the decision making has already been done.

8. Last and most important, have fun and remember the event as you work on your pages.

Always remember enjoy your hobby and don't feel as if it is another job.

For more ideas, inspiration, learning to use your limited scrapbooking time more wisely and making great looking scrapbook pages, I would like to invite you to visit http://www.squidoo.com/Scrapbook-Sketches-500 which also includes free bonuses for cardmaking ideas and Christmas quotes.

"Copyright (c) Monna Ellithorpe. All Rights Reserved."

Stampin Up Samples

 It's been awhile since I posted any samples from my Hawaii swap so I figure I owe you!!! Here are some more great cards from talented stampers!!!

Isn't this a great card!!! It uses the Good Friend Stamp Set. This is such a great stamp set. Unfortunately the demonstrator did not put their name on the card so I have no idea who made this.  I love this stamp set you can see it on page 91

 

This card is by Suzie Wood and I love her choice of colors it is a really vibrant card in person.

 

Here is another one by Suzie Wood. Great choice of colors love the Designer Paper. Don't forget it is on sale this month buy 3 get one free.  Contact me now to get your order and if you would like to participate in the Designer Series Share here is:

click here

 

Stampin Up Designer Series Paper Share

 

I love the Designer Series Paper and the fact that it is double sided.Now you can have all the patterns in the catalog at a fraction of what it would cost to buy them all. Because Stampin Up is offering a sale of buy 3 get one free this is a great time to offer you a Designer Series paper Share.

So what does this mean to to you?

There are 3 shares to choose from.

 

Sign up for the Specialty Share and you will receive a 12 x 6 piece of each of the sheets offered on page 158. This Paper is awesome and is cover weight cardstock. To buy all 4 packages on your own it would be $56.26 but with the sale and the share you pay only $10.55 (includes shipping and tax).  I love this paper and the possibilities are endless with it!

 

 

Sign up for the Patterns Paper Share and you will receive a 12 x 6 piece of each of the 14 colors shown on page 159. (right side) This would cost you $163.96 to purchase these on  your own but thanks to the sale and this share you can get all of them for only $32.21 (includes shipping and tax)!

 

Sign up for the Assorted Paper Share and you will receive a 12 x 6 piece of the remaining papers shown on pages 159-161. This would cost you $187.38 to purchase them all on your own. But again thanks to the share and sale your price for all of them is only $35.13 (includes shipping and tax).

 

And Lastly I have Chris' Deal!!! You will receive all 3 paper shares which will cost $77.89 and you will receive an entire roll of white organza ribbon absolutely free!!! ($5.95 value) 

As soon as I get 4 people signed up I will order the ribbon. You may email me your order order use thethe paypal link below.

 

 

 

Paper will be ordered as soon as I receive 4 people to fill a share.

 

Just in time for Mother's Day

Come Make Art!

Have a favorite verse or saying that you would like to display?  This would also make an outstanding gift for someone or a great Mother's Day Gift!!! Class is only $10 and includes the cook Easel!! Send me your verse or saying and I will have it ready for you. Class is this Saturday May 9th in time for Mother's Day! Class starts at 9AM. Sign  up below to save your seat!!!

 

 

 

Homemade Wedding Invitations

Are you or someone you know getting married!!! Or do you have an anniversary or Quinceanera coming up? I have designed the most beautiful invitations that will announce your event in the most elegant way! The invitations are priced extremely reasonable and are priced well below other home made invitations, not to mention they are very unique. I also offer 3 different buying options so that everyone's budgets can be met.

Here is the card!!

To see more details about this card and buying options click here.

Jumbo Alphabet Sneak Peek

Get a sneak peek into the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog when you purchase the brand-new Jumble Alphabet stamp set at 20% off. This set of 52 die-cut, double-mounted stamps is perfect for scrapbooking because you'll never run out of letters! But don't wait—this offer is only good through May 31.   Item #  Description  Regular Price  Sale Price  115199 Jumble Alphabet stamp set  $43.95  $35.16  Contact me now to order your set or place your order online yourself by clicking the shop on line button on the right.

Start Your Own Stampin Business for $75

Stampin Up just announced a Starter Kit for only $75!!!! There are over $82 worth of product not to mention the business products (case of catalogs order forms etc.) for only $75! You just can't go wrong!!!  You can choose the items they are offering or substitute them. You can sign up to be a hobby demonstrator ( buy your own product at wholesale) or you can do it as a business. I am able to make 2 car payments with my bonus money each month.

I LOVE WHAT I DO

because the

Benefits of Being with  Stampin Up! are HUGE

ASK for more information today on how these benefits could be yours too!

o      YOU GET to own your own business

o      YOU GET to enjoy the tax business of being in business for yourself

o      YOU GET  to set your own hours

o      YOU GET a monthly free magazine

o      YOU GET to attend events and special classes with other stampers

o      YOU GET 20% off of product and 30% off your first workshop order

o      YOU GET a monthly bonus check for your sales up to 20% (up to  a total of 40%)

o      YOU GET realistic incentives that you can work toward

o      YOU GET to earn a free cruise!!!!  You can do this, I did!!

o      YOU GET free product

o      YOU GET to be on a great team of stampers that share ideas

o      YOU GET share your creativity with others

o      YOU GET a night out of the house

o      YOU GET lots of recognition for your achievements

o      YOU GET to spend a fun girl’s time out and make money too!!!

o      YOU GET to meet new friends and have lots of fun!!

o      YOU GET to start a business for a very low start up cost

 

The support of your upline (the person who recruits you and signs you up) can be an important factor in the success of your business.  You’ll want to be sure your upline is going to be able to meet your needs.  Here are a few things I do for my group of demonstrators, and some reasons you should sign up with me!

1. I am a Stampin’ Up! award winner and 4 time cruise earner, and whether you want to be an award winner or just want to achieve your quarterly sales minimums, I can show you how to achieve your goals.
2. I’m committed to Stampin’ Up! and  I am here for the long haul; I’m not going anywhere.  I’ve been a demonstrator since 2004 and looking forward to many more years!  
3.  I have a passion to teach others how to stamp and how to turn stamping into a successful business if that is your desire. I am here for you and willing to help you any way I can. If your only goal is to earn free stamps I am here to help you as well.
4. I belong to a large group of Stampin Up! Demonstrators that you will also belong to!! They are the most resourceful and helpful group I have ever met! 
5. I have several different e-mail groups you can join and participate in.  We share business tips, creative ideas and I send out reminders for deadlines and upcoming events so you can put your energies where they best suit your goals.  I also include recognition for our group members.  
6. I offer monthly meetings, which include stamping, sharing, swapping.  There are a variety of events to help meet everyone’s needs.  I send handouts and extra items to my out-of-town demonstrators. 
7. I offer many hands-on classes all year round for my recruits.    That gives you a chance to get new ideas and build your own collection of samples to share with your customers and friends. 
8. I am here to help you with any of your questions or concerns.  Contact me, and I will do my best to help you take care of your business.  When you sign up, I will give you a packet of ideas, flyers, and business tips that have made my business more successful.  You may incorporate these ideas into your own business as you see fit. 
9. Every month I host a Stamp Camp that you are welcome to invite your customers to participate in.  It is a great place for you to come and learn new ideas and you get to play and touch new items. 
10. I am fun, energetic, and love to share all my ideas with you!  We will have a lot of fun together and you will never regret it!!

Please contact me so we can discuss the benefits of signing up. If you can't wait to get started you can sign up online. Click here! and my password is stamp.

What can I do with Designer Series Paper

Here is a great video put out by Stampin Up Headquarters.  Many Cute ideas andhow  to make mini scrapbooks using a single sheet of 12 X 12 paper!!! How fun is that!!!

Click here to watch it.

I got some fun ideas from it and can't wait to play!!!! I bet you see a class coming up real soon like this!!! Enjoy!