Subscriptions have changed...

Some of you who visit might have noticed that you are no longer receiving your Blogarithm emails when my blog is updated. Unfortunately, Blogarithm was sold to another similar company, but the planned seamless transfer just didn't happen. So, I have ditched the old code and have installed a new feed service function, RSSFWD, which you can see at the right hand side. If you enter your email address there, it will subscribe you to my blog, and deliver excerpts to your email box when there is new content. If you would also like to receive my regular email newsletters, details of promotions, giveaways etc, simply contact me and I will add you to the list.

Not long now!

Only a few more days before the Spring Mini Catalogue begins! There are heaps of lovely stamp sets in a wide range of styles, truly something for everyone! The accessories to go with them are just as appealing, with some "Styled Silver" Hodgepodge, a versatile blossom punch that works with several current sets, limited edition Designer Series papers and lots more. The stamp sets in this Mini Catalogue have another exciting feature - they are DIE CUT!! Simply pop the pre-trimmed stamp from the rubber plate, peel off the backing and stick to the block along with the index sticker. It's the best of both worlds, as you still get to customise the way you mount your stamps, but you save the time involved with cutting.

At a recent Demonstrator event, a number of us gathered for a special card-making day, called "Card in a Box" This is a great day where each demonstrator designs a card, and puts all the pre-cut pieces, inks and tools needed in a shoebox. The boxes are then passed around the table, and we each make one - it's a great way to gather ideas, get inspiration, and to gather samples to show you. My card, using the "One of a Kind" set and co-ordinating Boho Blossoms punch is shown above. The card colours are Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip and Naturals Ivory. I can't show you online the wonderful cards made by my friends, you'll just have to come to one of my classes, or book a workshop to see!

For your complimentary copy of the catalogue, contact me with your name, email and mailing address. The catalogue runs from 1st August through till 30th November, and there will be a number of sets and accessories that will never be available again, so don't leave it too late if something catches your eye!!

Classes THIS SATURDAY!

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that I am running my Beginner's Card Making Class this Saturday 26th July, from 10am till 12noon. There are still a couple of spaces available, so if you're interested in coming along for this enjoyable and jam-packed class, please just give me a call on 9484 9447 and I'll book you in!

A CASE Card - Thanks Tracey!

One of the lovely things about the stamping world, and Stampin' Up! Demonstrators as a group in particular, is the "CASE" philosophy. CASE stands for "Copy And Share Everything". There is an incredible pool of talent out there to be inspired by, and endless sources of creative ideas, starting with the Idea Book and Catalogue itself. And usually, if you're like me, the finished card and the initial inspiration often turn out quite differently!

I received a card in one of our Swaps from the lovely and talented Tracey Eaton , which fair LEAPT off my display board and screamed "MAKE ME!!" So I did! Thanks for the inspiration Tracey, I hope I've done your design justice!

Tracey's original card used Whisper white as the band, Summer Sun as the lower section and Bayou Blue as the upper portion, stamped in Bayou Blue and Summer Sun using the Boho Backgrounds set, and is gorgeously finished with a Rhinestone brad in the centre of the large motif and some stitched ribbon in Bayou Blue. My (slightly rusticated) take on this was to use Groovy Guava, Mellow Moss and Naturals Ivory. I could have used some of the Groovy Guava Double stitched ribbon - but I didn't have any! (on the wishlist now, thats for sure!) So, I added a mini sentiment using the Every Day Flexible Phrases set. And... Erm... I had planned on using a piece of the yummo Silver Styled Hodgepodge over the sentiment, but I stamped too close to the card edge for it to fit.... DOH!! But, you'd never guess that it wasn't meant to look just like this would you!!?? One other minor change I made was to use the new Boho Blossoms punch (in your Spring Mini!) to punch out the flower centre of the large motif instead of Tracey's neat handcutting. It matches this set AS WELL as the "One of a Kind" set also in the Spring Mini - multipurpose - gotta love that!

Just $299!

The current Stampin' Up! Promotion is just the ticket if you have been considering becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator...

From now until August 15th, the Starter Kit is just $299! That's a saving of $25 on the usual price, which in itself is already heavily discounted. The Kit is packed with products and supplies worth $560, so you're saving over 45% right away.

So, what are the benefits to be gained by signing up with me now as opposed to 'later'?

Well, I've given it careful consideration, and have come to the conclusion that NOW really is the ideal time of year.

1. You're saving even more money than usual, and that's always a good thing! The starter kit is postage free too! To take advantage of this offer, your completed paperwork must be postmarked no later than 15th August 2008.


2. July is the start of a new quarter. You have until the end of your first FULL quarter to meet the quarterly sales minimum. This means you have until Dec 31st to purchase or sell $500 (catalogue value) worth if you wish to retain your ‘active’ status – so easy to do, especially with Christmas right there at the end.


3. If you’re keen to run your demonstratorship as a business, or at least investigate the possibility of doing so, the Sydney Regional Conference will be held on Saturday September 6th. I found last year’s event both great fun with lots of make and takes and very informative, it really kick-started my SU career!


4. A new Mini Catalogue is starting on 1st August, running until 30th November. With limited edition sets and accessories, this is an event all SU customers look forward to, and is great for sales. You will receive 8 free Mini Catalogues with your Starter Kit


5. The following quarter January – March is also a fabulous time for sales, with both the ‘Sale-a-bration’ promotion giving away free limited edition stamps with qualifying orders, and also the retirement list in March ready for the new 2009/2010 catalogue in April!

It really is the best time of year to join, and get a flying start, and to be ready to make the most of the best sales periods of the year. There are yummy incentives on offer if you meet any of the three “Stampin’ Start” goals (a total of 18 free stamp sets of any value!), so please don’t hesitate to give me a call, I would be happy to have a one-on-one chat with you and answer any questions you might have.

Finally, as your upline, you would be joining my small, friendly and supportive team of demonstrators. I am available to offer assistance, training and support, as much or as little as you require. The thing I love best about Stampin’ Up! is that it is all up to you – you can join for the discount alone, make the sky your limit and build a full-time business, or anything in between to suit your time and lifestyle. There are no penalties, no ongoing fees, no requirement to hold workshops, and the minimums are very easily achievable. Think about it this way - $299 to start your own business with no risk! Now that's something!

If you would like to be sent an information pack, please contact me with your mailing address, or give me a call on (02) 9484 9447 to chat further about it. The information pack includes a DVD, which is a little "American" but also gives a good insight about the Company and it's ideals. Stampin' Up! is really a company with heart, whose generosity and caring attitudes towards both demonstrators and the wider community are unique in my experience. I hope you'll join me, and "share what we love" with others!

BEGINNERS Card Making Class and CHRISTMAS STAMP-A-STACK #1

Beginner's Card Making Class On Saturday 26th July I will be running my Beginner Card Making Class from 10am - 12noon. The Beginner’s Class is suitable for those who have never stamped or made cards before, or who have dabbled a bit. Even if you have made quite a few cards you are bound to learn some new techniques and tips to help you along on your cardmaking journey. You will make three projects to take away with you, and learn the fundamentals of cardmaking, a tools tutorial and numerous practical techniques for creating stylish cards. When and Where: At my home in Cherrybrook, SATURDAY 26th July 2008. I have limited spaces available in each class, so RSVP ASAP, before Thursday 24th July to book your seat to michelle.dyson@bigpond.com.au or call 9484 9447 Cost: The cost for each class is $15.00, which is redeemable against a catalogue order of $50 or more on the day of the class. The new 2008/2009 Catalogues will be available at the classes for the discounted price of $10.00, RRP $12.95 What’s Provided?: All materials and supplies for creating your projects are included, and you will receive comprehensive written class notes and instructions. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be a draw for a lucky door prize. CHRISTMAS STAMP-A-STACK # 1! Saturday 26th July 2pm - 5.30pm at my home in Cherrybrook I'm getting started early this year! Absolutely and Positively DETERMINED not to be making cards into the second half of December! Want to join me? You'll have lots of fun, and learn plenty of cardmaking techniques along the way in a chatty casual environment. I'm planning on holding several of these Stamp-a-Stack sessions between now and December, so there will be lots of opportunities to build your collection, ready for sending off to your loved ones. So, what is a Stamp-a-Stack and how does it work? You will create 6 cards, 2 each of 3 different designs. Everything you need is provided, pre-designed, with instructions and samples, ready for you to sit down and create a stack of cards! I also provide a pizza lunch and refreshments, included in the class cost. Cost: The cost of the class is $15 dollars. No stamping or cardmaking experience necessary! Learn and create in a relaxed and fun environment.

Stamp a stack Specials "50/50" If you place an order during the class to the value of $50 or more, the class cost is reduced by 50% to $7.50

"Hostess Appreciation" Book a Stampin' Up! Workshop during the class, and you will receive a Classic Ink pad FREE, in your choice of colour, valued at $9.95. Your inkpad will be delivered after your workshop along with your guest's orders. You will also receive a Hostess Package with all the information you need to host a successful workshop, including the Idea Book and Catalogue valued at $12.95 FREE

"Door Prizes" Door Prizes will be awarded every hour!

Please feel free to bring your own additional cardstock and adhesive to complete as many more cards as you can in the time, using my stamps and tools - including my extensive Sizzix and Cuttlebug collection.

RSVP ASAP, by Thursday 24th July on (02) 9484 9447 to reserve your place!

Remember, if you feel like an indulgent jam-packed creative day, you are most welcome to attend both my beginners class and the Stamp-a-Stack!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Step it up...

Here is another card that I made using the same Designer Series Papers (Wintergreen) and stamp set (Snowflake Spot) as the cards for the Preschool Fundraiser. This one goes a step beyond, adding some extra steps to create a very special card. This or a similar card will be one of the designs featured in my upcoming Stamp-a-stack card making sessions, stay tuned for dates!

The image on this card is first stamped with Encore Silver metallic ink (101039 $16.95). This is a sticky ink, which allows the Heat and Stick powder (100625 $8.50) to cling to the image when sprinkled over. A quick zap with a heat tool, and the Heat and Stick magically becomes a glue, perfect for a dusting with "Dazzling Diamonds" microfine glitter! (102023 $8.50) It's finished off with a large Rhinestone brad from the Pretties Kit and a snippet of wide Very Vanilla ribbon. Let me know what you think!

A busy week!

It feels like ages since I last posted something, but in the meantime I have been busy creating, and also organising and running the Fundraising Workshop for my children's pre-school. The evening was a great success, with 17 keen stampers joining us in making two cards each. We also enjoyed some yummy cake and slices thanks to my hubby and the centre's chef! Thanks very much to everyone who attended, you have all helped make the evening a successful fundraiser. The staff are busy selecting a smorgasbord of crafting goodies to use at the centre, and the orders are ready to submit as soon as their list is finalised. Stand by for details about upcoming classes and Stamp-a-stack events in the leadup to Christmas - there will be no excuse this year for not starting on your cards early!

I've popped back in after editing the photos of the cards we made on the night - each workshop guest made one colourway of the "All in the Family" birthday card, and one variation of the
"Snowflake Spot" card. The Birthday cards also use "Dashing" designer series papers, and cardstocks in River Rock, Real Red, Old Olive and Very Vanilla. The Christmas cards feature the gorgeous "Wintergreen" Designer Series papers, which co-ordinate perfectly with Mellow Moss, Sage Shadow, Certainly Celery, Bayou Blue, Very Vanilla and Soft Sky inks and cardstocks. It's SO easy to create beautiful cards with Stampin' Up!'s great range of Designer series papers! They are outstanding value at just $11.95 for 12 heavyweight double sided sheets, this year only though, so start stocking up now!

For your free laminated guide to each paper range and the matching cardstocks and inks, please send me an email with your postal address to michelle.dyson@bigpond.com