Chris Stamps

How to Make an Accordion-folded Flower

Here are some great directions I found on the Stampin Up website for how to make accorian folded flowers.   Directions: 1) Cut card stock or Designer Series paper to 12" x 3/4". 2) Score strip every 1/4" the entire length of the card stock and accordion fold the score lines. 3) Adhere ends of card stock together (Sticky Strip works well). Let dry. 4) Holding the card stock with two hands, twist one edge of the strip into the center as shown to create a flower shape. 5) Adhere a punched circle to the flower center on one or both sides (Pop-Up Glue Dots work well) to hold shape in place. Tip: Experiment with different sizes and score intervals to create the desired shape of your flower. Share your comments on this with me!

Join a Stampin Up Cyber Hostess Club

 I have a fabulous opportunity for you!!! Do you want the benefits of going to a card class and being a hostess but just can't commit a night each month? Well have I got a fantastic offer for you and you don’t even have to leave your home! These clubs are first come first served and when I reach 5 they will close so RSVP now!

I have 2 Cyber Clubs to choose from:

$100 Club February 2010 - June 2010

Place a $100 order each month February - June and you get:

· to be the hostess one month - YOUR CHOICE OF HOSTESS SETS, and a minimum $60 in FREE merchandise of your choice.

·  Free Catalog if you do not have one

· 2 Salebration sets of your choice in February

· 2 Salebration sets of your choice in March

· 4 stamped cards each month as a thank you

· Assorted embellishment pack/sizzix die pack each month as a thank you

· Chance to invite your friends to order the month you are the hostess

 

Hostesses will be randomly selected as soon as I have 5 club members.

Orders are due by the 20^th of each month.

Email chrisgreten@sbcglobal.net to sign up

First order is due February 20^th

 

Not able to spend $100 but still want some great perks?

$60 Club February – June

 

· to be the hostess one month - YOUR CHOICE OF a Level 1 or Level 2 Hostess Set, and a minimum $35 in FREE merchandise of your choice.

·  Free Catalog if you do not have one

· 1 Salebration set of your choice in February

· 1 Salebration set of your choice in March

· 2 stamped cards or projects each month as a thank you

· Assorted embellishment pack/sizzix die pack each month as a thank you

· Chance to invite your friends to order the month you are the hostess

 

Hostesses will be randomly selected as soon as I have 5 club members.

Orders are due by the 20^th of each month.

Email chrisgreten@sbcglobal.net to sign up

First order is due February 20^th

 

Stampin up Simply Adorned Lockets

 

I will be offering a Simply Adorned class in the very near future and wanted to give you sme information on this great new product we are carrying. 

Our Simply Adorned line beautifully combines the best of two worlds: stamping and jewelry! We designed our Simply Adorned charms to hold a creation you design yourself, making your jewelry truly unique.

Simply Adorned charms are lockets--they open up so you can insert your custom stamped image. The Charming stamp set, along with Rub-Ons, glitter, ribbons, and other embellishments, can help you create your unique charm insert. And don't forget that you can embellish the chains with ribbon, felt flowers . . . the possibilities are endless! The frame surrounds tempered beveled glass on the front and flat glass on the back. Because there's glass on both sides of the charm, you can display an image on one side or both. You can create a custom heirloom piece that you'll never want to change, or you can swap artwork in and out, depending on your mood and your wardrobe.

And although we designed Simply Adorned charms to be jewelry, they also make delightful key chains or Christmas tree ornaments. Insert a stamped image or photo of your loved ones, tie a ribbon through the clasp, and you're done!

You will love the look of Simply Adorned and appreciate how easy it is to create custom jewelry. When you wear your own Simply Adorned necklace with artwork you created yourself, be prepared for questions about where you got it!

Our Simply Adorned line includes nickel-plated charms in three sizes and anodized stainless steel chains in two lengths.

Item	Description	Price
116797	Simply Adorned 1" x 1" charm	$17.95
116798	Simply Adorned 1" x 1-1/4" charm	$18.95
116799	Simply Adorned 1-1/2" x 2" charm	$21.95
116800	Simply Adorned 24" chain	$10.95
116853	Simply Adorned 34" chain	$12.95

Feel free to order yours on line and get designing before I announce the class. You can order by clciking on teh order now button on the right.

New Punch Style for Stampin Up

Starting with the new 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and continuing with all new punch designs going forward, Stampin' Up! has adopted a new body style for our punches!

A few features of the new punch style:

• Low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easier stacking and storing

• Punches lock shut for easier storage and transport

• Dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored

• Available in three sizes: small, medium, and extra-large

• New punches allow for larger punched images and more intricate designs while providing greater ease of use.

  • Extra -large punch images also allow for two-step designs like the Two-Step Bird punch in the Occasions Mini Catalog

• Corner punches allow you to punch a corner design along the inside edges of a page, not just corners

• larger, whole-hand handle design provides better leverage for easier use

• Available in an exclusive Stampin' Up! color

Part of Stampin' Up!'s commitment to providing demonstrators and customers with the very best crafting tools includes the belief in what we call continuous improvement. Essentially what this means is that even if something works very well, but we see a chance to improve it, we will work to make it even better. While new punch designs will be in the new body style, existing designs will remain in the existing body style for now. We will communicate any further changes as those decisions are made.

FAQ's On Stampin Up Clear Mount Stamps

I know you are excited as I am about the new clear mount stamps!!!! I also know you may have some questions so here are answers to many questions!!!!

 

Q: Why have we decided to offer clear-mount rubber stamps?
A: We have long known of the demand for repositionable clear-mount stamps from both demonstrators and customers. The problem has been how to offer these features without sacrificing the quality of our product. It took us a while, but we did it! With these new repositionable rubber stamps and clear blocks, you get the same superior image quality and durability you are accustomed to, along with the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable stamps.

Q: How is clear-mount stamping different from wood-mount stamping?
A: Clear-mount and wood-mount stamps are both made with the same quality rubber and foam. You will not see any difference in your stamped images with the clear-mount stamps. The clear-mount blocks have grooves on all four sides; the grooves in the block will feel the same in your hand as a wood-mount stamp. Your stamping experience will be the same with either format. The difference lies mainly in their features and benefits. Clear-mount stamps require less storage space, and you can place multiple images on the same block. Also the image on the back of the stamp can aid you in stamp positioning.

Q: Is Stampin' Up! eventually going to stop carrying wood-mount stamps?
A: We have no plans to discontinue our wood-mount stamps. The benefit of offering stamps in both formats is that your customers will be able to choose the medium that works best for them.

Q: Are the stamps completely clear, so the whole stamp is see-through?
A: No. The blocks are completely clear, but the stamps use our same high-quality rubber and foam. There is, however, an image label for the back of the stamp (between the block and the foam) that will help you position the stamp on the paper.

Q: Are there plans for acrylic (photopolymer) stamps in the future?
A: No. Photopolymer would have been an easy solution for repositionable clear-mount stamps, but it is prone to stretching, tearing, and discoloration, and cannot produce the kind of crisp, finely detailed images Stampin' Up! stamps are known for. Our commitment to offering the very best products in the crafting market simply would not allow us to offer an inferior product like photopolymer.

Q: Is the clear-mount rubber different from the wood-mount rubber?
A: The rubber on the clear-mount stamps is identical to the rubber used on the wood-mount stamps.

Q: Is the clear-mount foam different?
A: The density of the clear-mount foam is the same as the wood-mount foam. However, the foam on the clear-mount stamps has adhesive on one side (to adhere it to the rubber) and a cling coating on the other side to adhere it to the block. There is also a slight color difference to help you tell them apart. The wood-mount foam color is Going Gray, and the clear-mount foam color is Sahara Sand.

Q: Will all stamps be available in a clear-mount option?
A: Most of the new stamps in future catalogs will be available in both wood-mount and clear-mount options. However, the à la carte stamps and Build-A-Bear Workshop stamps will only be available in wood-mount.

Q: How do you store clear-mount rubber stamps?
A: Clear-mount rubber stamps come in a DVD-sized storage case, and can be housed in any storage system designed to hold DVDs. The artwork on the storage label is shown at 100% on the cover, and thumbnail size on the spine. The
back of the case is clear, allowing you to see the actual stamps from the back of the case.

Q: Will larger stamp sets (alphabets) come in larger cases?
A: Stamp sets that are too large for one storage case will be packaged in multiple storage cases and will be labeled 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.

Q: Can I get extra storage containers or labels?
A: You can purchase a four-pack of clear-mount storage cases (item 119115). Extra labels are not available for purchase.

Q: Do I need to use the labels on my clear-mount rubber stamps?
A: The labels are designed as a tool, and you can use them or not, as it suits your preference. The stamps are designed to cling to your blocks with or without the label.

Q: How do I apply the labels?
A: Applying the stamp labels is quite simple, and you will find detailed instructions located on the back side of the storage case label. The most important thing to remember is to leave the label on the sheet until you apply it to the stamp. If you remove the label first and then to try to apply it to the stamp, you will be unsuccessful.

Q: Are the labels removable?
A: The labels are not removable. It could damage the foam if you try to remove the label once it has been applied.

Q: Does the cling ever wear away?
A: The cling is a static cling and will not wear out. However, you do need to keep both your blocks and stamps clean in order for the cling to function properly.

Q: Why isn't my clear-mount rubber stamp sticking to the acrylic block?
A: Both the stamps and the blocks need to be clean for the cling to function properly. Clean both your blocks and stamps with Stampin' Mist and try again. Also, if you have applied labels to your stamps, you need to press the stamp to the block with a moderate amount of pressure for a few moments in order for it to cling.

Q: How do I clean clear-mount rubber stamps?
A: You simply use your Stampin' Scrub and a few sprays of Stampin' Mist. Use your Stampin' Mist sparingly--if you get your Stampin' Scrub too wet, the excess liquid can cause your stamp to come off the block, and may also result in some cosmetic damage.

Q: How do I clean the acrylic blocks?
A: Acrylic blocks need to stay clean in order to work well. Stampin' Mist and Stampin' Scrub will clean StazOn, Classic Ink, Craft Ink, VersaMark, and metallic ink stains from your blocks. Avoid using StazOn cleaner, as it leaves a slightly oily residue that inhibits the functionality of the cling.

Q: How many sizes of blocks are available?
A: The blocks come in nine different sizes, and have grooves on all four sides. Each block is labeled with "Stampin' Up!" on one edge and the block letter on the opposite edge. You can buy the blocks individually, or can purchase the entire set as a discount bundle for 10 percent off the price of the combined blocks.

Q: Can I convert my current unmounted stamps to clear-mount stamps?
A: We do not recommend converting your wood-mount stamps to clear-mount stamps. The foam on the wood-mount stamp was not designed to be cling foam, and it is possible that you could damage your stamp if you try to alter it.

Q: Can I use my clear-mount stamps on wood blocks?
A: No. The static cling is designed to work on the clear-mount blocks, and will not work on the wood blocks.

Q: I prefer traditional wood-mount sets, so why should I invest in clear-mount?
A: We know most demonstrators and customers will prefer one system over the other. As a demonstrator, we recommend that you bring at least one set of each type to all your workshops. Your customers will then be able to see and feel both the clear-mount and the wood-mount stamps and decide for themselves which option best fits their stamping style.

Q: Will I still need to use my Stamp-a-ma-jig?
A: While the labels on the clear-mount stamps are closely aligned with the rubber, it is not exact. We recommend using the Stamp-a-ma-jig if your project requires exact alignment.

Gift Ideas from Stampin Up

 

There are only 17 days left until Christmas! Do you still have loved ones to buy gifts for?  Here are a few suggestions:

• My Digital Studio is a great gift for teens! They'll love making scrapbook pages, cards, and calendars for friends using the simple software. Plus when you order this exciting software suite, you'll receive a free Décor Elements piece valued up to $16.95!

• Simply Sent card kits are a great ready-to-wrap gift and have everything you need to complete 10 cards. This is the perfect last-minute gift for card makers or people you think may like making cards!

• Anyone who has a Big Shot will want the Alphabet Simple Letters Bigz die. It can cut through a variety of materials including vinyl, chipboard, and felt. This makes a great gift for a seamstress who would like to sew custom appliquéd pieces on her projects, someone who wants to create their own vinyl phrases to personalize her home décor, or any paper crafter who uses letters. And when you purchase this item, you qualify for a free Décor Elements piece valued up to $16.95!

• Add the final touch to your gift that says "I was thinking of you when I bought this gift" by personalizing it with Décor Elements. Add an Upsy Daisy Décor Elements to a laptop or cut it apart and apply it to a cell phone. Put all of the toys from Santa together in one container and add the So Many Toys Décor Elements to it, or use individual letters to add monograms and names to your gifts. These extra special touches won't go unnoticed.

Check Out this Fundraiser to Help the Fong Family Bring their Baby home from Russia

I am so excited to be part of this awesome fundraiser this weekend. This fundraiser is to help the Fong family bring their baby home from Russia!  Be sure to come and check it out.

If you can not participate but would like to donate please visit

www.fongfamilyadoption.org

 
 

Stampin Up My Digital Studio Features and Benefits

 

Whoo Hoo!!! I am My Digital Studio Certified!!! This was a special certification that a small percentage of demonstrators took the opportunity to complete. This means I am trained and certified and can help you with your digital projects.  Right now with a $400 order or workshop you can order My Digital Studio for half price!!! This offer is valid only through November 30^th!!!! Order before December 2009 and I will refund you 10% off your first printing project!!!

Click here to order and than click shop now or contact me to place your order.

Here are all the details about My Digital Studio

Exclusive Stampin' Up! Content

• Stampin' Up! artwork and accessories available in a digital format.
• Stampin' Up! colors allow for perfect coordination when embellishing professional print projects with traditional embellishments. Add depth and dimension when you combine digital with handcrafted.
• With My Digital Studio, your favorite images and colors need not retire--you can keep using them for years to come!

Software

• My Digital Studio starts with nearly 2,000 unique elements--stamps, embellishments, templates, kits, punches, Designer Series papers, card stock, borders, and more.
• Intuitive design for easy navigation and project creation.
• Plenty to do for more advanced users including
• Customizable stamps and embellishments
• Photo, background, accent, and page editing
• Multimedia features including music, videos, and links
• Automatic photo fill for effortless design.
• Program is on 2 DVDs, making downloading quick and simple.
• The program is stored on your computer, not on the web, so you can take it with you.
• PC and Mac compatible.
• Training and quick start materials available to help you learn more.
• Use My Digital Studio as a design tool--create projects digitally before crafting it in paper, or create flyers to print or e-mail to customers.

Digital Downloads

• Download new embellishments, stamps, kits, and templates to My Digital Studio on a regular basis. Digital downloads are also compatible with other design tools.
• Digital downloads feature exclusive Stampin' Up! artwork and colors.
• Embellishments are true to size, making it easier to combine digital projects with paper crafting.

Print

• Professional print service available--print your photo albums, calendars, and cards. Professional printing for individual pages will be available soon.
• Stampin' Up!'s professional print services ensure that printed colors match with our paper products. Because personal printers and other print services use different settings, their prints may not match Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors within acceptable tolerances. Stampin' Up! has worked to make sure that our professional print services match our colors perfectly!
• Don't limit yourself to print projects! You can also create digital projects like DVDs, interactive albums, and e-cards.
• With My Digital Studio, you can print your projects from your home printer (depending on your printer's settings, printed colors may not match Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors).
• Stampin' Up!'s professional print services use only the highest quality products--papers, album covers (linen, leather, and photo covers).
• My Digital Studio is competitively priced at $79.95.

 

Heat Embossing & Emboss Resist with Stampin Up

Probably the one thing that blew me away when I went ot my first stamping demonstration was heat embossing!!!I thought that was incredibly awesome and I was hooked! I usually do embossing at every demonstration I do. If you have never embossed I would love to show you how. Contact me to set up a private class for you and your friends! See the instructions below

Technique A:  Heat Embossing

1]   Place your card stock in a Powder Pal tray or over a large piece of scratch paper.

2]   Rub the Embossing Buddy across the card stock you want to emboss. This keeps the embossing powder from sticking anywhere but on the ink. 

3]   Stamp the image with Craft, VersaMark, or embossing ink.

4]   Pour powder onto the inked image, making sure that the image is coated completely. 

5]   Shake off excess powder into the tray and funnel it back into the container.

6]   Heat the stamped image only until the powder changes to a shiny liquid and rises.

7]   Allow embossed image to cool. 

Technique B:  Emboss Resist

1]   Follow steps 1-7 above, using Stampin' Emboss clear embossing powder.

2]   Apply ink with a sponge directly to the paper over and around the embossed image.

3]   Wipe the embossed image with a tissue to remove the excess ink.

QUICK TIP
Avoid overheating the powder and burning the paper when working with a heat tool.

Harvest Bible Chapel In His Image

This is not a stamping related article but I jaut had to share this awesome event and ministry that I participate in . Here is the link http://www.harvestrollingmeadows.org/article.aspx?site_id=4&article_id=178937 

But in case they take it off the webstie I posted the sotry below. Enjoy!! You can see me and my husband in the first photo, Joe is in the back and I am in front beside Ray.

Local Compassion Ministry

In June 2009, Vivian and her adult son Raymond Toth began attending Harvest Bible Chapel after being invited by neighbors, Jim and Natalie Stage.

“I hadn’t attended church in a long time,” Vivian says. "[But Ray and I were willing to] see what it was like.”

 

Vivian’s son Raymond is 26-years-old. Since Ray’s father’s death in 1991, the two have been practically inseparable. They live together, share every meal together, and if something occurs in the life of one of them, it occurs in the life of the other. The bond between Ray and his mother is unique, however, due to the fact that Ray has Autism.

 

“He always feels like he has to be around me, he’s got to be able to see me and know that I’m there," Vivian explains. "If he gets too far from me he gets uncomfortable.”

While Ray functions at a higher level than most that suffer with similar developmental disorders, Vivian would be the first to tell you that raising her son by herself has been difficult. In addition to Ray’s Autism, recently Ray has been diagnosed with a serious, terminal illness.

 

On their first visit to Harvest with the Stages, Vivian and Ray joined the congregation in the Worship Center in Rolling Meadows for weekend worship. During this time, God began to move not only in Vivian’s life, but in Ray’s as well. The sermon series was centered on the issues of anger, and Vivian mentions that the sermon on that first visit really moved her.

 

"Earlier that week, Raymond was having attitude problems and I [felt like] couldn’t take it anymore," reflects Vivian. "That sermon hit me and I was glued! After four days of nothing but screaming and hollering, I felt like the pastor was talking to me like I was the only one in the church.”

 

Vivian left the church that day with encouragement concerning her feelings of anger and the conviction to change. Not only that, but Vivian was blessed because as the band lead the congregation in song, Ray responded by holding his hands toward God–something that Vivian had never seen him do.

 

After a few weeks of coming to Harvest, Vivian asked her neighbors if there was a special service Ray could attend. Natalie told her about In His Image, the Compassion Ministries’ program that reaches out to care and spiritually educate those with special needs.

 

“When I told her what In His Image was, she was thrilled that there was something [geared] specifically to Ray," says Natalie.

 

“I wasn’t sure that I wanted him there,"Vivian tells. "But Raymond being there really burst my bubble. He was intermingling, which he normally doesn’t do. Raymond loved it. In fact, he didn’t stop talking about it all week!”

Through the ministry of In His Image, Ray was better able to follow the lesson, whereas during the main worship service, he usually would lost focus in the first few minutes.

“When I’m in [In His Image] I understand them. In the [the Worship Center] I didn’t understand them,” Ray says.

Immediately, Vivian realized that Ray was supposed to be there.

“It was like he was home in that classroom," Vivian says. "He’s happy in that room.”

Soon after attending In His Image, Ray has felt less and less obligated to be with his mother–now he simply grabs his Bible and walks to class on his own. In His Image has empowered Ray to live more independently, and what’s more, it has solidified his relationship with Christ and his knowledge of God.

So much so, that not long after consistently being involved in In His Image, Ray expressed his desire to be baptized.

“He asked us all week, everyday," remembers Vivian. "He drove me nuts, and I told him, ‘Ray you don’t just jump into something like that.’ I asked him why we wanted to be baptized and he said, ‘because I believe in Jesus, and I know about him dying on the cross for my sins.’

On Sunday, August 16, 2009, with his family, In His Image classmates, and his teachers looking on, Ray Toth was baptized in Jesus’ name.

Since then, Ray has continued to attend In His Image and play a huge part in the dynamics of the group. Ray is skilled and very interested in Web site design and has even created a site for the members of In His Image to use and for others to learn about the ministry.

Looking back, Ray is happy and excited that he was baptized and his mother is very proud of his profession of faith as well as his willingness to be baptized.

“That baptism meant everything to me," explains Vivian. "I had dreamed of it, and I was in tears. The whole day was beautiful. And do you know why? Because Raymond wanted it!

"I’m very proud of my son, he’s very special.”

As Ray’s health deteriorates, Vivian knows that tougher days are ahead, but she is looking to the Lord to be her strength in the midst of illness and family difficulties.

“Someday the Lord will ask me, ‘Did you raise your kid to love me?’ And I can honestly say ‘yes’ to that," she explains.

"I do believe that God has given Ray time, and maybe it was for this reason. So that he could be involved in In His Image and be baptized. He feels at home in In His Image, and I think the Lord is pleased with that.”

"In His Image" is a ministry that reaches out, biblically educates, and serves the needs of the disabled community of Harvest Bible Chapel and the greater community of the northwest suburbs. Recognizing that a life given by God is significant, we value that the works of Christ are displayed in those that have mental and physical disabilities (John 9:2). In His Image meets each Sunday during the 11:15 A.M. service in Room E141. If you are interesting in attending or serving in this ministry, please contact Troy at tmaragos@harvestbiblechapel.org .

nd, Joe, in the top photo. Joe is in the back row and I am in the front row standing beside Ray.

Earn Extra Income with Stampin Up

This article was posted in the local newspaper.  This details exactly why this is a great time to start a Stampin Up business. My bonus check makes 2 CAR PAYMENTS!!!!!! Contact me for more details. I would love to help you with some extra income or a bill or two!

Business booms again for direct-sales merchants

ROCKFORD, Ill. - Erin Clausen had no luck finding a summer job when she returned home from the University of Wyoming this year.

So she turned to lia sophia.

The at-home jewelry sale company allowed Clausen to keep her one-month internship with John Morrissey Accountants while selling baubles on nights and weekends.

“If you have a decent party, depending on what you sell, (it) could mean a paycheck of $300,” the college sophomore said. “That’s more than a lot of college students would make in a week.”

As the recession continues, more people have turned to direct-sale opportunities, including Mary Kay and Arbonne, to bring in extra cash. In 2008, the most recent figures available, 15.1 million people sold a product through a direct-sales organization, according to industry group
Direct Selling Association. That’s an increase of about 100,000 over 2007.

Neil Offen, the group’s president and CEO, has heard from several companies that sales and recruits are up in 2009.

“January and February started off weak, but July and August have been superb,” he said. “More people are coming in, and customers are spending more money for the first time in ages.”

Why they join

Some people started selling when they were unable to find a job. Others did it to help their checkbooks when a family member lost their job.

“It’s helped me pay bills that I wouldn’t normally be able to pay on top of my credit card and the dreaded student loans,” Jeannie Hoffman of Courtland said. “That extra income has gone to things like that so I don’t have to worry about those extra expenses.”

Hoffman and several other direct-sales merchants are holding a home-based business job fair Nov. 7 in Oregon to help people find out about opportunities.

Hoffman, who sells Arbonne cosmetics, said the idea came about after another saleswoman suggested it in light of the area’s high unemployment rate.

“I know that for some of the other women, one in particular has increased her sales team 150 percent,” she said. “The majority of new people already have a job, but their husbands have been laid off or their hours have been cut back and they need some business on the side.”

Nancy Ryan of Rockford has been selling Mary Kay cosmetics for three years. She said she joined mostly to buy the products at a cheaper price for her own use, then turned it into a profitable enterprise.

“I’ve had a lot more people asking me about selling before I have a chance to tell them about what we have to offer,” she said. “They’re more open to opportunities and looking to supplement their income.”

Legitimate direct-sales opportunities can be a good way to bring in extra cash because it’s easy to enter the business and costs the seller relatively little overhead.

“It’s the opportunity to choose a product you like and feel comfortable with and be your own microentrepreneur,” Offen said. “You’re your own boss with your own hours doing business your own way.”

Caution urged

Opportunities for a direct-selling business are many, but recession creates fertile ground for companies trying to scam would-be sellers with the promises of rosy profits and no work.

Offen said the DSA’s 250 member agencies have to sign on to its code of ethics, which includes requiring companies to repurchase inventory, sales or training aids at 90 percent of their cost if a seller decides to not participate.

“The difference between direct selling and a fraudulent pyramid scheme is, the money in a legitimate enterprise is only earned through sales to the consumer,” he said. “If it’s just earned through headhunting fees, inventory purchase, educational fees — anything other than the sale to the consumer — it is a fraud. That’s an important distinction.”

Other critics have even stronger stances.

“They are often selling bogus business opportunities,” said Robert FitzPatrick, co-founder of Pyramid Scheme Alert. “It’s an illusion that, for a thousand people, each could have (another) thousand people under them because the guy you’re talking to has a thousand people under him and makes a lot of money. It’s selling somebody an investment in a business in which the return does not really exist. Or it certainly does not exist anywhere close in how it is represented to you.”

FitzPatrick has studied these multilevel marketing organizations, in which payment is predicated on recruiting new members. The newest members pay the most for the product, he said, with the bulk of the products going to top-level recruiters and new members getting little commission for their sales.

People interested in such an opportunity should ask several questions before signing up, he said: Is there a growth market for the product being sold? Who is buying the product? Most importantly, how does the company reward people?

“If the plan pays richly toward the recruiter and poorly toward the retailer, that is another enormous red flag,” he said.

Sean F. Driscoll can be reached at (815) 987-1346 or sdriscoll@rrstar.com.

Stampin Up Newsletter and Samples in Your Inbox!!!

In just about a day or two I will be sending out an email with some really cute sample projects with directions and some fun samples!!! Will you be getting it?  Are you on my list? Don't miss out on this!! if you are not on my mailing list please be sure to sign up so you are!!! It is painless. Just put your email in the newsletter email sign up box to the left. I would never sell your email or use it for any other purpose than to send you wonderful Stampin ideas, classes and specials so what's stopping you?? It's simple and painless and takes about a minute so do it right now before you forget!!! Have an awesome day!!!

The Not so Mini, Mini Catalog!!!!

Images © 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!®

I'm thrilled to announce that the Holiday Mini Catalog 2009 is here! This mini isn't so mini — it's our largest mini catalog yet! New product lines, new stamp sets for the holidays, new Big Shot® Dies, new Décor Elements, new rub-ons, and 40 pages of project ideas. I think this is the best mini catalog yet. But don't take my word for it — download your own copy today and tell me what you think. Please note that some of the new products, like the Build-A-Bear Workshop® line of stamps, paper, and dies, are available now and some are being introduced now and will be available soon. The much-anticipated release of My Digital Studio will be on October 1st and the beautiful Simply Adorned Charms are coming soon! I'll be sending you more details when they are available, so watch your inbox. I'm looking forward to helping you plan your fall and holiday projects. Happy Stamping! Chris Greten Senior Manager *NEW* Build-A-Bear Workshop® Line SHOP ONLINE Halloween Fun SHOP ONLINE Fall Collection SHOP ONLINE   Hostess Rewards This fall is a great time to include a Stampin' Up! workshop as part of your holiday shopping.  We have an extra gift to hostesses during September, October and November. With a workshop of only $250, you can choose any one item from the Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10 (except My Digital Studio and hostess stamp sets). Workshop dates are booking up already, so contact me today to reserve your date for a fun evening of creativity with your friends — and no mall madness! CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS

My passion is rubber stamping and I would love to share it with you! http://chrisgreten.stampinup.net

Images © 1990-2009 Stampin' Up!® Created by CraftyPerson Production © www.craftyperson.com All Rights Reserved.

Announcing the New In Colors!

Oh My GOsh I can hardly stop jumping up and down!! I got my box from Stampin up and I pre-ordered the new In Colors!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful they are! We are going to have so much fun! I love the new in color markers, that is going to make a big difference and I know you will have to have them like I did!!! But I think my favorite is the Polka Dot In Color Ribbons!!! THey are so pretty and cheery and they are plain on the reverse side so it is like getting 2 ribbons in one!!! I can't wait to play this weekend!!! Drum roll please........ THe new in colors are: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry & Bermuda Bay.

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.

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."

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!

THANK-YOU NOTE ETIQUETTE

This is a great article on why we make homemade cards!!!! I could not have explained it better myself! Read on!!!

 

By Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP

Bremer Communications www.bremercommunications.com

The impact of a handwritten thank-you note is often overlooked in today's fast-paced "why-write-something-when-I-can-email-it" world. A note written promptly and sincerely is an important ritual of etiquette that is much more effective and appreciated than a phone call or electronic message. Yes, we have a lot of technology at our fingertips, but just because we can do that way doesn't mean we should.

Most of our mail each day is filled with advertisements and bills. Handwritten notes and letters are a rarity, which makes them that much more meaningful to the recipient. When you write a note by hand, it shows the other person that you cared enough to pull out the stationery box and choose your words without the conveniences of the grammar tool and spellchecker! Written notes are also permanent, which means they can be saved by the recipient and passed around to share with others.

A few years ago, I worried for weeks about what to get a special client for Christmas. This was someone I had worked with very closely for a number of years on many different projects. She is laden each holiday season with several dozen gifts - fruit, wine, books, etc. I didn't want my gift to get lost in the crowd, so I decided to send her a personal note of thanks. I spent a long time choosing just the right words to express what I had learned from her and how I valued our working relationship. She called me the next week to tell me how special the note was, that she had passed it around to her staff and would treasure it forever. She said it was the one gift that actually meant something to her that year.

Thank you notes should be written to thank someone for a gift, a meal or for a favor done. Your appreciation should be acknowledged within 72 hours; thank-yous seem much more sincere when they are expressed promptly. I think one reason people don't send thank-you notes is because they don't own proper stationery. Both men and women need a collection of personalized social stationery, such as letter sheets (for women), Monarch sheets (for men), half sheets, foldover cards (also know as Informals), correspondence cards and envelopes. This set of stationery can be used for letters, thank-you notes, issuing invitations, replying to invitations and gift enclosures. Consider investing in these items; they will serve you well and make a great impression on your recipients.

Correspondence cards are the best choice for thank-you notes, however women may also choose Informals for their notes. Here is a sample format for a thank-you note for a gift:

Start by expressing appreciation - "Thank you for the beautiful picture frame."

Mention the gift's usefulness - "It is the perfect size for our large anniversary picture. The fact that our names and anniversary date are engraved on the frame makes it so special. It looks perfect on the hall table. In fact, it's the first thing you see when you open our front door."

Express the hope for a future meeting - "I hope you and Don can visit us soon to see how we are enjoying your thoughtful gift."

There is really no excuse for not writing a thank-you note. Purchase the proper tools and make it a habit to write a note as soon as possible after the event or receiving the gift. And, please, teach your children to do the same.

It is believed by many people that thank-you notes helped elect George Bush (the first one!) to the U.S. Presidency. He carried a box of cards with him everywhere he went on the campaign trail and jotted a note immediately following each event to the volunteers or hosts. Many believe the personal touch of those notes is what propelled him into the White House. Is there a presidency in your future? Start writing those notes. And when you get there, send me one, too!

Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP, owner of Bremer Communications, offers training, consulting and coaching in professional image development and presentation skills. Her clients include Oracle, Abbott Labs, W.W. Grainger, U.S. Department of Energy and the National Association of Realtors. She can be reached at 708-848-5945 or at www.bremercommunications.com

Copyright © 2004 Bremer Communications All Rights Reserved

Crafting: A Silver Lining In A Tough Economy

Looking for a great way to earn  an extra couple hundred dollars a month?  Stampin Up is proving  to be a great way to do this with the present economy. Contact me to find out more I would love to help you get started! Read this article it says it all!!!

by Laura Tiffany, Entrepreneur.com

In economic times like these, the urge to hunker down in your house, limit spending and jump off the merry-go-round of shopping, credit and consumerism can be strong. And one way for people to step outside the system, if just for a few hours a week, is crafting. Rather than being a consumer, a crafter becomes a manufacturer; the end result of a night on the couch isn't three hours of empty Tivo space, but a scarf, toy or handmade holiday ornament that one can give away, keep or sell.

While data are still being compiled for 2008, the Craft and Hobby Association reported that in 2007, craft sales in 39 categories reached nearly $32 billion, and nearly 57 percent of U.S. households engage in crafting. Online handmade goods site Etsy.com reported $88 million in sales in 2008, a significant increase over 2007 sales of $26 million. With 1.9 million members and more than 200,000 sellers, Etsy enjoyed $9.9 million in sales in January alone.

Like most retail sectors, it's likely that craft sales may decrease in the coming months. But all signs point to more and more people diving into this market, both as consumers of supplies and handmade gifts, and as entrepreneurs selling their own items and supplies.

At the January CHA show, spirits were high as manufacturers and retailers recognized that the economic climate creates more folks ready to put needle to fabric and stamp to paper to join a crafting revolution that's been in the works for more than a decade.

Some of the big crafting trends present at the show, which featured more than 900 exhibitors, include:

• Scrapbooking. This is the most robust craft category that CHA tracks, and scrapbooking companies had by far the strongest presence at the show. While paper still rules scrapbookers' supply cabinets, many crafters are taking skills such as stamping, painting and decoupage into other media for jewelry making--like sandwiching tiny art between glass slides for a pendant or stamping blank wooden bangles.

• Crafts for kids. Kid-specific kits and products are hotter than ever, even in this tough economy. "Unfortunately, the schools cut a lot of creative areas, so it's up to the parents to do it at home. And I really think [crafts have] become an important part of the American family," says Jenny Lowe, design director of Moorestown, N.J.-based Sbar's Inc., a 50-year-old supplier of family-friendly crafts that has lived through its share of recessions. "Kids are just so eager to accomplish something. And let's face it--crafting gets them away from the computer."
  
  Some companies foresee growth in this area because of parents wanting to craft with their kids. Parents can purchase a $15 kit and have a fun evening at home, rather than pay $50 to take the family to the movies. There are also ancillary customers, such as church camps and Scout troops. And of course, there's always the need for kids' birthday gifts, too.

Tough times tend to spur creativity. As an entrepreneur, there are few better ways to channel your creativity than in a crafts business. Whether you start to find your artistic voice or you do it to sell personalized gifts, crafting makes the most out of your creativity--as an artist and as an entrepreneur.Want more info?  email me now and I can get more information to you. Chris

 

Busting Three Myths About Scrapbooking

by Karen Siegel Fitting

When I tell people about what I do, I often hear things like; "I am not creative at all", "I just don't have the time" , "I would love to be able to scrapbook". If you have the desire to scrapbook, you can make to happen. Read on... three common scrapbooking myths are about to be BUSTED!

Scrapbooking Myth #1: There's no time to scrapbook. Scrapping doesn't require more time than you are willing to give to yourself for other activities (like exercise or the spa), it just requires scheduling. Most retail stores post their scrapbooking times 2 to 3 months in advance.

Independent consultants offer workshops as well and will likely have their schedules prepared 4 to 6 months in advance. My friend, Jackie, only scrapbooks twice a year - at weekend retreat events an independent consultant runs. Jackie knows 6 months in advance when the next retreat will happen and works her family calendar around it. She is able to remain up to date with her photo projects by simply making the most of these two opportunities. In my experience, busy people get things done - because of planning.

Scrapbooking Myth #2: You have to be creative to make a scrapbook style photo album. Putting photos into safe albums is mostly about preserving the memories & stories that the photos represent. Some of my favorite album pages are 'naked'. They lack any stickers or embellishments whatsoever. I love pages like this because they celebrate the memories. Digital scrapbooking and pre-designed layouts make things easier. Just add pictures and your words and you have a beautiful page!

Scrapbooking Myth #3: Scrapbooks are for families with kids. As long as you are taking pictures, kids or no kids, there's plenty to work on! Look at your pictures, aren't they worthy of celebration? It's time to show off your exciting life! Celebrate your everyday, your family and friends. Your story is worth telling and sharing, putting these stories and memories into a safe album is a great way to do this! Now that you know how to bust these myths, it is time to get started. Find a few pictures, find some friends or some help from a store or consultant and celebrate your memories.


To request your free digital scrapbooking software, go to http://karenfitting.wordpress.com/ Karen Siegel Fitting has been helping her clients keep up-to-date with their photos for over 5 years. Since January, 2009 her clients have completed over 10 albums, hundreds of pages, and have maintained sanity in the effort of keeping their photos managed