Henry Says.... You're Unforgetable!

 

Henry Says a lot of things: It's Your Birthday, Congratulations, It's A Party, and even Merry Christmas. He is a pretty talented elephant.  Admit it, he is also cute as a button, isn't he?  This is really sweet in pastels for new baby cards or announcements too. However, this stamp set isn't just for the "kids" crowd either - sometimes life is so serious, don't we all need a little whimsical elephant to make us smile?  (Henry Says you do!)

 

So not to show favoritism... yes, I did a pink version too :o) 

 

 

Take a little time out today and go create something beautiful!

Petite Pocket Valentine Treats

 

Here's a great idea for your friends who might not like chocolate. (But as a friend, you really should encourage them into a therapy of some sort... not like chocolate? Really?) okay, back to the treat.  This was made with Real Red cardstock using the Petite Pocket Die cut. I wrapped it with a strip of More Amore Specialty Designer Series paper.  The Pool Party ribbon is a new favorite of mine, a beautiful satin that is only available as an item in our Sale-A-Bration give away! The Valentine stamp was recently available with a special bundle.  You could add a lot of things to this little pocket: pencils, bookmarks, gift cards, tea bags, single serve drink packets.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this little treat package, and I hope you find a little time in your day to do something creative!

More Amore Valentine Treats

 

I just love the way these little boxes whip up quickly. The More Amore Specialty Designer Series paper makes it that much easier for Valentines Treats. I just had to had to add the heart embellishment to hold the lid closed. They are designed so that the top tucks behind your embellishment so you don't need extra fasteners. There are a lot of things you can hide in the boxes, but the chocolate squares pictured above fit just perfectly.

 

I have a Valentines Treats class coming up February 9 for those last minute gifts. Check my events page for more details and I hope to see you there!

Bloomin' Marvelous

 

These colors are really drawing me in lately. Just love the richness of Pool Party, Island Indigo, and Lucky Limeade. They are all party of the 2011-2013 In Color Collection.  They have moved back into the spotlight though.  They are showcased a couple of the products for Sale-A-Bration. I confess I am completely addicted to the Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper. If you are not familiar with this stamp set and wondering where it is in the catalog, let me help. It is part of the Sale-A-Bration promotion - so if you like it, grab it fast before it disappears.

 

Here is another sample changing up the color a little bit and adding a different phrase. If you are new to stamping and looking for some great sets for phrases, Curly Cute is my most recommended set. I use it a lot personally and in my classes.

 

 

 

Hope everyone had a great weekend and found a little time for some creativity!

Sunshine

 

What a wonderful week this has been. I am so blessed by the people around me and in my life.  Today was spent celebrating the most amazing person I know. I refer to him as Walking Sunshine, and most that know him would completely agree.  I am also slightly biased, but don't tell anyone! Happy Birthday to my sweet little four year old (how did that happen??)

 

And yes, of course this was whipped up in MDS using the Sunshine and Sprinkles set!  

Artisan Embellishment Kit

 

Okay, you have seen The Artisan Embellishments Kit in the Spring Catalog (yes, I can wait while you go look at page 10), and perhaps you did what I did. I looked at it and said to myself "oh, such beautiful items.... but what would I do with that?" Yes, that IS what I said to myself. I just adore the ribbons, the buttons, the lace... but there is only one of this and one of that! I confess I was a little intimidated by all those flowers and ruffles quite honestly. So what does a person do when unsure - they jump in with both feet of course!  If this kit has you saying the same thing - please join me on Saturday, February 23 for a class with many ideas of what you can do with this kit.  Class fee is $25 which includes your kit. Please RSVP by February 9.

Sharing what I Love

 

"To love what we do and share what we love as we help others enjoy creativity and worthwhile accomplishments... in this we make a difference."  This is the Stampin' Up statement of the heart.  I admit any day that I can be stamping, it makes me happy. But when I can share it with others, my heart just sings. Today was one of those days. I was fortunate enough to be able to take some materials over to a senior center where I volunteer.  They are planning a bake sale and we wanted to make some treat holders with a Valentines theme. The participants were thrilled with seeing what they made (yes, we made some extra ones so they could take them home). They loved being able to personalize them, using different stamps, hearts or flowers. As I say over and over (ya might as well get used to it :o), it doesn't matter if you are six or eighty-six, the sense of accomplishment when we make something is a thrill that should never leave us. So go ahead and make some stamping time for you, but if you have the opportunity to share it with some one new, please do. You will be so glad you did. 

Sale-A-Bration - Yes, it is HUGE!

 

This was the display for Sale-A-Bration at Leadership - oh what fun! All the products looked really amazing, but they would look even more amazing in your own crafting space. This event goes by pretty quickly - so get your parties booked now. Your guests will love you having it now so they can get the free items. And as Hostess there are even more benefits for you! 

 

Here's a close up of my current favorites

 

 

 

I really love the rich colors in the papers and the ribbons - Pool Party, Island Indigo, and Calypso Coral. This is also a great option if you can't quite manage a qualifying purchase. Team up with a friend and then select either of these options and split them between you. It's a wonderful way to get in on the fun without breaking your budget. 

 

Thank you for following my blog - I love being able to share these opportunities with you.  Please check my events page to see other chances to get together and create!

Valentine Bundles in a New Way (last chance!)

A last look at the Valentine's bundles - since they are only available until midnight tonight. Perhaps you kept seeing them as simple candy tubes or note cards. This is a good time to throw out the "instruction" sheet!  I had a blast playing with the materials to see what else I could come up with. 

 

 

I started out with the kit above which is free with the purchase of the My Little Valentine stamp set. I also used the new heart Valentine stamp and the candy tubes. 

 

 

 

I adore this Pool Party ribbon - stay tuned to find out how you can get it too - details will be coming out tomorrow :o)

 

 

Yes, we all like chocolate, but you can package other little gifts too. Above I included little valentine post it notes. Below are some pencils which are great for school gifts. 

 

So this was just a little sampling of the other things you can do with the Valentine's bundle. They both are such great deals I didn't want you to miss out. Today is the last day to get them.  Shop my website at www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net (click the link on my blog) or email me at MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com

 

Take some time for you today and do something creative!

MDS - Pirate Party!

 

I just love MDS (My Digital Studio) from Stampin' Up! I was a complete skeptic at first, I knew that digital was not for me. I loved to make a mess while scrapbooking... cutting papers, playing with ribbons, sampling this and that. Okay, then I had to eat my words. I LOVE MDS. As you can see above, it is wonderful to use for more than scrapbooking. I just whipped up some invitations for a pirate party! Arrrgggghhh. Ahoy, Matey is a great set for all the pirates in your life. It has background papers, stamps, embellishments, even flags for cupcakes and little treasure boxes you can make.

 

If you haven't tried MDS yet - they are still offering a 30 day free trial. If you are still declaring yourself a "traditional" scrapbooker, you may want to try this. I have found that I can do a base page in the digital method. By adding my photos to that, I save the extra step and cost of printing all those photos. Then once I get the printed copy back, I can add some layers for more physical depth. It's the best of both worlds!  Try it today or go explore what others are creating with it at www.mydigitalstudio.net

 

And for those that are wondering - yes, you can include all the details in the invitation, I just removed the party details for publication purposes. You would not have to fill them all out by hand :o)

First Friday Event - February 1

 

Come out for a night of stamping, prizes and fun!  For only $5 we will create a card or treat, and then the rest of the night is all about you!  You are invited to create with my tools and stamps. Additional materials will be available for purchase.  If you have any questions, please message me or email me at MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com Please RSVP by January 29.  Babysitting may be available for an additional fee, contact me for more information.

Oh Hello

 

Want a fast easy technique when you need a card quickly? Shelli demonstrated this method at Leadership 2013. You can keep it simple or step it up a little bit as I did in the above presentation. The stamps are from the new set Oh Hello in the Spring catalog. I used Wisteria Wonder and Stazon Black for inks.

 

On your Whisper White cardstock, turn your ink pad face down. Yup, face down - but gently. Then slightly press down around the edges making sure that you don't press so hard that you move the pad around the page.  When you lift it, you will have the nice coloring around the edges.

Then go ahead and stamp your sentiment and flower in the black ink.  Poof! You have a very quick and easy card that looks beautiful.

 Here is a sample of the basic card.   

  

 

If you have the time, then you can add a couple layers - here I added Basic Black and Wisteria Wonder cardstock.

 

 

The final version is similar to the last one. I did a background stamp on the Wisteria Wonder using the Flowering Flourishes stamp set. I lengthened the piece of Basic Black cardstock and added a bit of Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon.

 

 

I hope that you enjoyed this card - no go play and see how easy it is!

 

 

Leadership 2013 - Do What You Love

 

Who wants to go to a business meeting on a Friday night? Really? How about if that meeting was turned into a slumber party for you and 1400 of your fellow demonstrators? Stampin' Up knows how to have fun and encourage us to love what we do.  Not that any of us really need encouragement when it comes to loving our work or our Stampin' Up! products.  The evening was spent showcasing some stamping techniques and new products from the Spring Catalog.  

 

First a cute little key ring made out of the More Amore Designer Fabric. 

 

Love the flower? That's a little sneak peek at one of the upcoming Sale-A-Bration gifts.

 

The night was a lot of learning and a lot of fun!  Stampin' Up also treated us to cookies and milk after the Stamping Under the Stars evening session.

 

On Saturday I was able to attend two more classes. First up was Creating a Blueprint for Success with Brandi Barnard and Meg Daves.  One would never try to build a house without blueprints, so why would you try to build a business? They provided some great tips and a worksheet to map out goals and a plan to get there.  The after lunch session can sometimes be a bit sleepy, but not Meet New People, Find New Faces with Shannon West.  She was fun and energetic and had many wonderful suggestions of how to be able to share my love of stamping with more people.  Being new to an area can sometimes be a challenge. I can't wait to start implementing her ideas. 

 

I will be sharing more of the stamping side of Leadership 2013 in the coming days. I have a ton of samples to share and lots of new ideas.

 

Make some time for you today and go create!

 

 

 

 

More Single Stamps Released!

 

 

 

Can you believe all the new releases from Stampin' Up today??? They saw how much everyone loved the single stamps so they have released some more sets. As it was with the first ones, these are available for only a short time.  For anyone in the Concord, NC area, I will be placing an order tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan 15). If you would like to order some of these great stamps, just email me at MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com with your list. 

Paper Pumpkins are here!

 

Okay, stop and check this out!!! I am so excited about this new monthly kit offered from Stampin' Up!  Yes, a MONTHLY kit delivered right to your door. I have seen (and have in hand) the Try It kit and the Welcome kit and both are wonderful. To find out all the details follow the link to the Stampin' Up! Paper Pumpkin website and order yours today.   https://mypaperpumpkin.com/

Leadership 2013

 

Wow - I just got back from my first Stampin' Up! Leadership experience. I am energized and exhausted.   Stampin' Up! has some amazing projects in the works for this year - which is their 25th year.  Before heading to Leadership, I was already enjoying being a demonstrator... but after Leadership I can say I really really LOVE being a part of Stampin' Up!

 

Usually when you go to a business conference you get put to sleep during most presentations. That does not happen at Stampin' Up! presentations. I found myself cheering, laughing, crying, and even dancing.  Where else does that happen?  I felt a huge connection to most of the presenters - they had been listening to demonstrator concerns and hopes and they answered. Even though I have only been a demonstrator for a year, I felt like a vital part of the organization and that I counted.

 

The first night, the Managers were treated to a night out at the new Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios. They were taken out there by bus and had the place to themselves for dinner, rides, and shopping. I have not reached Manager level yet, so was only able to hear all about their adventures and see the video clips. Since my goal is to get to ride that Manager' Reception bus in the future, I attended a seminar "How to Get to Managers' Reception Next Year" presented by Brian Pilling.  Loved this! Goal setting can be a little intimidating and hard to make yourself do. Especially if your goals might seem out of reach, it is easy to just pedal away without thinking.  Brian encouraged (made) us think about not only the goals we were setting, but the why behind it.  Then to make it more concrete, we identified the requirements to meet that goal. In this case, such as a title promotion, what it would take to reach that title. Then we reviewed where we stood in our current position and where the growth was needed.  This all seems pretty simple, but then we broke it down further into smaller manageable steps. So whether you are setting small goals for yourself, maybe reading more every day; or making bigger goals like career changing. Breaking it down into smaller bits and pieces, makes it more likely you won't be overwhelmed by the goal and therefore may actually reach it.  After changing the way I looked at it, reaching Manager became more of a possibility. I am hoping that all of my classmates saw this new possibility too since we all promised to bring Brian along if we reach that bus ride! 

 

So combined with filling the bags with all those supplies for teachers, Brian's seminar was an wonderfully uplifting way to start Leadership. I have a lot more information coming - lots of new stamps sets on the way, a new monthly subscription called Paper Pumpkins.... this year is going to be amazing!!!  So keep checking in and keep stamping!

 

 

Making a Difference

 

 

What an awesome way to start Leadership 2013!  I was able to join Stampin' Up for their Service Project. This year, they had long (really long) tables covered with boxes of Stampin' Up! supplies.  Demonstrators were asked to join in the fun by filling bags with all the materials. Wow - I was blown away - to each bag I added quite a few stacks of Designer Series Paper, stamp sets, punches, markers, ribbons, you name it. The bags were just crammed full of supplies, along with the DVD for My Digital Studio.  Then we could add a little tag to the bag we packed up.  All the bags were being boxed up to go to teachers at neighborhood schools - I believe the schools selected were the ones with the most need. I was just thrilled to see so much generosity by Stampin' Up! They truly are Making a Difference in the teachers lives, and in turn their students. I am so blessed to be a part of that! Below are some more photos of the Service Project process.

 

 

 

I have a great start on swaps - so there will be plenty to share with you in the future!  Today was the registration and a reception for first-timers like me. I am so excited for tomorrow when the conference really kicks off! 

T-Minus Three Hours and counting....

 

The other day I mentioned I had made seventy-five card fronts. And now I have ten little gift bags. What on earth would make me go on a stamping kick like this? (okay, I confess, I am always eager to go on a stamping kick :o) All these items are for my first ever Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference!!! Yahoooo!!!!  I am currently in count down mode - registration starts in three hours. I am really excited to meet a lot of other demonstrators and learn so much.  In addition the seventy-five card fronts are referred to as "swaps" - which I hope to swap with other demonstrators. That means I should be able to have about that many new card samples to share with you! How awesome is that?

 

 

 

The treat bags above were created with the Top Note die cut. I use that one a lot for cards and gifts. The flowers are from the Secret Garden bundle which includes the stamps and the framelits to cut them out.  Hope you enjoy these.  I can't wait to share all about Leadership soon.

 

Happy Stampin'

Cuddles & Kisses in the Garden?

 

 

Here's a little sampling of two new sets from Stampin' Up!  Wow - this is a really amazing Spring Catalog.  First up is the new Cuddles & Kisses stamp set. I am so happy that they have an adoption stamp included in this set. If you can't read the words in the photo they say "Adoption is when a baby grows in its mother's heart instead of her tummy."  The set has eleven stamps to welcome a new baby or even twins.

 

 

 

The blossoms on the card are from the Secret Garden stampset. This is available as a bundle so you can get the framelits to cut your flowers out.  The background paper and the paper used on the leaves comes from the Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Pack. Great sampler for all the new colors.

 Love it!

 

One in a Million!

 

 

Actually, the chances of catching a blue lobster are one in two million.  This is another card from the By the Tide stamp set in the spring catalog.  The words come from another favorite set called Curly Cute. I love using the rich ocean colors of Pool Party and Island Indigo.

 

I just finished making seventy-five of these cards. What on Earth would have me making that many cards??? Well, you will have to stay tuned to find out :o)

Three Little Fishies

 

 

Okay, I am addicted to the new stamp set By the Tide.  My mind just wanders with all the possible cards I can make with this set. Yes, I have a strong attachment to the sea, so that helps. But I love the rich detail in these stamps.  Above I paired the fishes with a sneak peek at the Vine Street embossing folder that will be available soon.  The words come from a cute new set called Made for You.  Stampin' Up made it easy with a color combination of Calypso Coral, Luckly Limeade, and Island Indigo - all from the 2011-13 In Color set. Over the next couple of days I will share more of my new cards. If you haven't seen the new catalog yet, By the Tide is the set featured below.

 

 

 

Email me at MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com if you wish to have a catalog set to you. Or you can browse it at my website 24/7 www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net.

Sweeeeeeet!

How sweet is this? Stampin' Up! is offering two Valentines Bundles - but just for a short time. This offer is only good from January 3-21.  You can order as many as you wish though :o)

Valentine Treats - Bundle one is perfect for packaging the little candy hearts!

Bundle two will help you whip up your Valentines cards in no time!

Don't forget you can shop my website 24/7 - www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net

My words for 2013

The end of one year and the beginning of another - kind of a crossroads tending to lead to reflection. One of the highlights for me for 2012 was a better understanding of gratitude and how it could change my life.  Even through struggles, I was amazed that I could find ways to give thanks and recognized how truly blessed I am.  Having that (yes, learned) outlook made my rough times, a lot easier.  So moving into 2013, that is something that I am going to contiue to focus on.  On that note, I want to thank each and every one of  you who follow my blog and have supported me in my first year as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Let's grow together in the coming year using our creativity to brighten other's days and lives. 

My second word for the day is Zeal. I stumbled upon this in the Define Yourself stamp set.

I am at a point in my life where I am ready to follow my passion. Of course, I made part of that leap a year ago  when I became a demonstrator. Of course, I only hope for that part of my life to continue to grow. Life truly is both too long and too short, to be miserable. Yes, we have times where we need to trudge through (it can't be all moonbeams and butterflies right?) however, during those times, take a little time to reflect and see what makes you feel alive. And then start following those paths.... I am learning that those paths lead to some pretty amazing places. 

As said better by Hunter S. Thompson:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”

So thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts (and philosophical rambles) at the beginning of this new year.  My little prints above I did make in Stampin' Up's MDS (My Digital Studio). If you would like a copy, I can email you the jpg file.  Tomorrow I will be back to remind you of the new spring catalog (can I hear a wahooooo!!!!) and all the wonderful treats that Stampin' Up! has in store for you this month...... Only one more day and I can share it with you!