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“Watt’s Up”…a reservation for one!

by | Dec 30, 2017 | New Product, Super Easy, Thank You | 9 comments

Good Morning and Happy Last Saturday of the year! WOW…that sounds super scary but yep…it is true!

I hope you all have been having a wonderful Holiday Season sharing love and laughter with family & friends!

 

Before we get going…I want to thank you for the well wishes for my dear Dad…he “sprung”  from the hospital yesterday and is soooooo happy to be in his own home and is doing GREAT!

It’s funny how your body reacts to things….my “internal clock” woke me up to say…..“It’s time to get crafty!!!” and I admit, it felt great knowing that I was going to be able to have a “jammies day” as I am not going anywhere!!! Driving back and forth takes a toll on you…and truth be told – I wanted to get this STAMPARATUS inked up!

 

 

WARNING….this is a LONG post

(but I do hope that you will read it as my hopes are you to learn more facts about the STAMPARATUS!)

 

 

I have a super sweet…super easy….super duplicatable card for you today! As I shared, I woke up before the chickens and wanted to have some good old fashion “me time” and make some thank you’s but really, REALLY wanted to play with the new kid on the block so I can give you some feedback.

 

(click on the image to see it in use)

 

 

Here you go….let’s open the book of “Confessions of an Honest Stamper”….remember- this is the book of ME that I share with you as I always want to be upfront and honest with feedback of products that I use….and that is both Stampin’ Up! products and also others that are not Stampin’ Up!…here you go…

 

 

 

 

I firmly believe that a Stamp Positioner is a necessity for a card maker. There are all types of stamp positoners…let’s start with the Stamp-a-ma-jig….I can hear MANY OF YOUR SIGHS…..but YEP, I do love it but I agree that there is a learning curve but it is like learning to ride a bike…once you “get it…you get it”….and I DO think that there is always a need/purpose for this handy and inexpensive positioner.

Moving to the “nuts & bolts”…..many of you have heard of and possibly have a MISTI…it made its debut in 2014 ( I think?) and brought a whole new element to stamping in being able to mass produce….to have stamps stamp not only a super clean and crisp image, but also to be in perfect placement.

I do have a MISTI and also a Mini one and YEP, I have learned to use it…and I have used it hard. There was a learning curve but I ask you….Don’t you think there is a learning curve in just about everything we learn to do?

I admit, at first I did not like it because I did not take the time to embrace learning the “how to”…and I thought – well now that I bought this….I will be an expert card maker…(doesn’t work that way)

Earlier this year, Tim Holtz came out with a Stamp Postioner….and YEP, I bought it and I too have used this hard. I have known that Stampin’ Up! was developing a Stamp positioning tool but I also knew that I needed to try, play, get familiar with….other products so I could give a fair and honest feedback on what Stampin’ Up! was going to come out with.

We all know that it is hard to develop something that already is an amazing concept and I truly think that this is one of the reasons that it has taken Stampin’ Up! soooooo long to develop the STAMPARATUS….but they have and it is AMAZING!

I do want you to know that just because Stampin’ Up! comes out with a product…doesn’t mean that I need to use it or blog about it…I use and promote what I like….and what works for my stamping needs!

I learned to use the MISTI and then earlier this year when the Tim Holtz one came out….I learned to LOVE the Tim Holtz one….and I think that I found this one to be easier of a curve than the MISTI but again, I am just giving you feedback from my personal experience.

I also at first glance thought that the STAMPARATUS was basically the same as the Tim Holtz one but with 2 plates….I WAS WRONG!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the final prototype of the STAMPARATUS was developed I admit, I was getting a bit “perkier” about the design and how the whole “double hinged reversible plates” was going to work. Well – let me tell you….I have been up since 4:30 a.m. and I am like a kid in a candy store. This product is a keeper of all keepers!

Not only is the design of it brilliant…but the sheer ease of use is a big winner in my eyes. I am all about being able to “get the job done” with ease and precision.

For this card I used both a clear mount stamp (red rubber) and also a photopolymer stamp as I wanted to have the “feel” of both types of stamps on the plates. I even took it a step further to mount a third stamp so I could get the feel of how it felt to take the plate off and rotate it to the other side…and YEP, it worked perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To me, this is a wonderful concept…when using Photopolymer keep the black foam in the STAMPARATUS and when using red rubber…take it out! This is just amazing that you can use all sides of the plates for different stamps!

 

I am just in amazement that the STAMPARATUS does the job so effectively yet with ease.

 

I know that there are many blogs and videos out there from Demos that have already received their STAMPARATUS but I invite you to watch these short videos from Linda Heller as she perfectly showcased this product! Linda calls it her Stamparatus 101 Series.

I know that there are (6 videos) but trust me….they are each super short and Linda does a fantastic job in describing all of the in’s and out’s. Linda demonstrated this tool during the Stampin’ Up! OnStage Event so she has had it for months and is sharing her knowledge and tips!

I know without a doubt that you will find these videos a HUGE help to you shine the light on this amazing product.

 

  • 4 Step Stamping with the STAMPARATUS – click here
  • Die Cut Stamping with the STAMPARATUS – click here
  • Perfectly Stamped Sentiments with the STAMPARATUS – click here
  • Alignment Tips and Tricks with the STAMPARATUS – click here
  • Hinge Stamping with the STAMPARATUS – click here
  • Inking, Cleaning and Storage with the STAMPARATUS – click here

 

Well…I was right!!! Isn’t Linda just the best in explaining all if the aspects of the STAMPARATUS. For those of you that are not familiar with Linda….she also has an amazing online school called Stamping School where she does videos every week! Take a moment and check it out!

Whew….I am sorry that this is such a LONG POST but I felt the need to really let you know my thoughts about this new product. This will be a game-changer for Stampin’ Up! and they have really thought this through and have really made it the best.

Today IS the last day for you to “make a reservation” for your STAMPARATUS until the New Catalog comes out in June of 2018. Here is what I would do…

I would HIT THAT PAW PRINT BELOW and reserve yours. Please remember, this will NOT be offered again until the new annual catalog comes out in June. I ask you….why in the heck would you want to wait that long when you know that this will not only make your stamping cleaner and more precise…but it will be a time saver as well.

 

 

(scroll down a wee bit and to the right –  then click the STAMPARATUS image to get going)

 

 

Here me out here…have you ever made a reservation at a restaurant or a hotel and then had to cancel it? Well…my guess your answer is YEP….well….this is how it will work with the STAMPARATUS as well.

Beginning March 19, Stampin’ Up! will ship the Stamparatus in the order the reservations were received (first in, first out) and continue through the next few months and beyond as product arrives in the warehouse.

When your “reservation window” is available (remember..first in, first out) you will have the opportunity to cancel the order (which I am sure you will NOT do) and also be able to add other products onto your order….so you can see….there is plenty of time for you to continue to learn about this product and then IF for some reason you change your mind….no worries, just cancel your reservation!

As I continue to play and learn all about this product, I will continue to share my thoughts, learning curves, tips & tricks with you. As always, it is my goal to give you honest feedback.

Please make sure that when you secure your reservation that you leave current info (shipping, cc# etc…) You will NOT be charged until you confirm and close your reservation when notified. This is a new ordering system for Stampin’ Up! and they are trying to minimize backorders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEW AGAIN….this was a bunch to put into words but I do hope that you have found this helpful. You can see, you have nothing to lose in making a reservation. Remember, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY until JUNE 2018.

As always, please feel free to email me if you have any questions…I know that this is a bunch to take in and I know that many of you have been on the fence because of having other stamp positioners. I admit, I am thrilled with the design mainly because I can use the “set up” for an entire card if I am using multiple stamps like I did for this card. Being able to use up to 4 stamps with one tool….WOOT-WOOT – I’m doing a happy dance!

I am sure that I might get some questions as to where the other stamps came from? Well…I am sure that you and are are the same in the way that we do not buy all of our groceries at the same store or wear just one brand of clothes….well I am also the same with my stamping.

When I see something that I think is useful for my needs, it’s simple….I just get it and use it. The other stamps that I used were here and here….you know me, I adore sentiments (and especially simple and useful ones) and I adore my envelopes!

Also….my Occasions Catalog Product Share is now open. If you want to get in the first wave of the share please email me your share requests and I take care of you! I have also added a Share Drop-down box on my blog header to make it easy to find!

I will NOT be sending Pay Pal Invoices out until January 3rd as per Stampin’ Up! policies so when you see your invoice, please take care of it to finalize your share. Product Shares ARE the best way to take advantage of the goodies!

Have a fabulous day…it feels great to be at home and also to know that I am not going anywhere! There is nothing better than a jammie day!

 

 

 

 

Woot-Woot I’m back with Blog Candy!

by | Jul 25, 2017 | Blog Candy, Christmas | 53 comments

 

 

 

Good Tuesday to all and I will say that it feels great to be back in the saddle BUT….I wish that I physically felt better! It is July and I have a cold like people get in the heart of Winter…YUCK! I am excited to share with you some of the “fun” John and I had in Thailand and I decided to add a drop down box at the top of my blog so I am not clogging up blog space! (they should be up this afternoon….I need to talk to my dear helper, Brian Watt as you know me….technical difficulties with the computer)

I will continue to add some fun times and pictures as time warrants throughout the week but I can say…we arrived home late on Friday and we are both still out of wack with the time thing and then Sunday it happened….a cold from nowhere and I feel like a bowling ball!

Enough of the saga….let’s get to this sweet card…..a total “Susan kinda card” and while I was away I came to “truths with myself” and that is – I really do not care for the whole concept of Christmas in July.

While we were away…it was July…there was no push for the Christmas in July concept that the media loves to do, the stores and even “us, your bloggers” seem to do. I already made this sweet card up before I left and I do adore it so naturally I want to share it with you…but I am going to try to embrace the rest of July.

I was lucky enough to see the NEW Holiday Catalog and Stampin’ Up! spoiled us with many of the new products on the trip…(super de-de duper cute) but they will have their place in time…..just let the calendar go forward a bit more. The preorder does start for demonstrators on August 1st (and that is exciting) and of course…I will place my order but until then….I want to enjoy the goodies in the Annual Catalog.

This stamp set, Watts of Occasions is so much fun! I encourage you to pull that catalog out and turn to page 63. Isn’t it adorable? I am sure at first glance that it was breezed by but I do hope that you can see the fun it brings – to me, it is a smile maker stamp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to see another post that I did with this stamp.  😀

You all know that I adore square cards and yep, I do enjoy making custom envelopes for them using the envelope punch board but please remember, a 4 1/4″ square card (like this is) could easily fit into one of our regular envelopes therefore there would be no need for additional postage.

It’s a personal thing for me….I just love to jazz up an envelope and the custom size always makes someone feel special when they open their mailbox.

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, I am using the basics….WHAT??? Well where do I start….the trimmer, the big shot, the square framelits yada…yada – you see  – these good old basics always help you create a clean and crisp card!

On this card I think that I have really, really allowed the simple stamp and the classic houndstooth print of the DSP be the star of the show! I adore the classic feel and simplicity of this DSP….if they sold it in single sheets….darn, I would STOCK UP! 

You can see that I am trying to use this print sparingly but I just had to add it to the envelope to pull it all together! (I guess you could say that I am being frugal about it) but it works…actually like a charm! The gold foil paper and then the embossed piece adds soooooo much!

 

 

 

 

 

 

How about the gold heat embossing….super cute – right????? That always is a smile factor each and every time and you know how I adore my Bakers Twine…you can NEVER have enough of that!!!

After I had heat set the sentiment, I simply cut it into sections to make it a bit more whimsical over the card. This is something that I do not do a bunch but I will say that I like the look and feel!

 

 

 

 

 

I am just giddy over this card and I honestly think that it might be in the running for a Christmas Card that I would make in the masses to send out this year…..we have LOTS of time for that decision and we have many AMAZING new kids on the block coming our way very soon but there is the quirkiness of this card that tickles my fancy!

What do you do? Do you just make up 1 card and make multiples of it or do you make up several different cards? This is what I do…..I make up several different cards and then make up a dozen or more of the style…..I adore making up in the masses as it is sooooo rewarding and heck – I am used to it with my card kits….but there are times that I like to switch it up…..how about YOU?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now let’s chat about Blog Candy! I shared with you that it is my turn to be the “Candy Man” for your amazing support to my Stampin’ Up! fun as without your support and inspiration that you give to me each and everyday….this amazing Thailand trip would not have been possible!

Everyday this week I am going to be the “sweetest person on earth with Blog Candy” and before we get to and am also “Sweetening the deal” with orders places with me.

I have updated the Hostess Code and if your order is $75.00 or more with me….you can GO TO THE VAULT and pick out any stamp your heart desires. I did this last year and it was a huge hit….but now….it is STOCKED TO THE MAX….as it is up to date from the Catalog that ended on May 31st.

I might not have had internet while we were flying and sitting at airports but I did have “Word” that I could work and get everything in order and I am a PROUD MAMA that the list is as good as it will ever get!

 

 

 

If you had already placed an order with me of $75.00+ this month, no worries….I will reach out to you and share the link for you to get your goodie. I know that you will be happy but also overwhelmed because it is a bunch and I am thrilled to have it in order.

Now for the Blog Candy…..leave me a comment and let me know how you feel about the Christmas in July media push…..does it get you excited????….does it get you sad/stressed????? but also, PLEASE let me know how you like this sweet card! (ha-ha)!!!

 

 

One lucky winner will win this stamp Set….

Watts of Occasions….just leave a comment and GOOD LUCK!

 

 

Now HERE IS SOMETHING to take heart of and I will say that you really should view this as a great marketing strategy…..for every $50.00 you spend in July, you will receive a $5.00 coupon to use in August!

I LOVE this promotion and have taken advantage of it personally but if I were you……I would add that extra $25.00 to be able to pick a free stamp from my fault…..(just saying as there are 100’s of stamp sets needing a new home)

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Play Tic-Tac-Toe!

by | Jun 8, 2017 | Uncategorized | 41 comments

 

 


WOOT-WOOT….today is the debut of the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and it is going to be a FUN game for each of us to play on Thursdays! Please pop over to the website to see what the designers came up with and then I hope you take a good look at the game this week and give it a try!

I would LOVE IT if you would submit your take on the game….it is super easy to upload and if you need help – please email me and I will be happy to help you!

Here’s the Challenge that Team X  came up with – don’t you just adore the design work for this new weekly Challenge….this was created by the oh so talented…..best husband/wife dream team (Brian and Nicole WATT) from Integrant Services…..hence the inspiration for todays card!

 

 

 

 

 

I admit, I thought that I was super clever by doing all of the squares on the board but I realized as I was typing this up I missed the stripes – SILLY SUSAN….this is sooooo much fun to play and I really feel that doing challenges are a GREAT way to help you develop a style.

I know that sounds crazy but it is true….just look at the guidelines and HAVE FUN! By having a guideline with a challenge…you can just throw everything out the door and just focus on the NOW (which is the fun game board) and just have fun and see what you end up with.

 

 

 

 

 

From the moment I say this catalog, I knew that this little quirky stamp…Watts of Occasions would be coming to Randall Lane. I love stamps like this because they are a bit “off the wall” and that means that they will make you smile. Just look at the different cards/projects that you could make with this sweet stamp set!

 

 

 

 

 

This big and bold DSP is from the Whole Lot of Lovely DSP collection and I think that the name suits it to a tee as it is a lovely collection of yummy prints! Stampin’ Up! does know how to rock it with their papers but remember, they are ALL BEAUTIFUL…but lets USE THEM …not collect them!!! 😀

 

 

 

 

When you look at this fun card you can see that it is my kinda card….SIMPLE! I used just the basic cardmaking elements and PRESTO a fun card that had me win the game in several ways!

 

 

 

 

These fun images on this stamp set are super easy to fussy cut out….best tip is JUST DO IT as once you start to cut…keep those scissors MOVING as I find when you stop and start is when you get little jagged edges….remember  – it is a work of art from YOUR heart….please do not stress about perfection!

Today I chose to make my envelope with the Envelope Punch Board as you know me, I love it to be matching but you could have easily put this 4 1/4″ square card in a regular Stampin’ Up! Envelope and saved yourself the time and postage….but remember – this whole thing we do is FUN….so making it is a pleasure!

 

 

 

 

So….there you go! I thank YOU a WATT for popping onto my blog today! I do hope that you will see the fun takes on the game that the designers came up with and I sure hope that you will play along with the challenge. “PRESENT over PERFECTION” is the name of the crafting game so I personally challenge you to find the time and PLAY!

If you do not already subscribe to my blog….please do so! (look to the right of the sidebar) I am a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator that loves to stamp, inspire and share my love of paper crafting….fun times….tips and trick – heck basically everything about life! Now go have a FABULOUS DAY!

p.s. – After you subscribe to my blog….hop over to the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge Website and subscribe to that as well…this way you will get notifications when there is a new board to play with as well as notifications for the weekly winners….