Manly Man Card Class

January's class of the month will be Mainly Man Cards! On January 17th at 2:00pm we will be making 6 cards, envelopes included, all with a guy theme. The stamp set that we will be using is Totally Tool. The cost of the class is $15 for just the cards or $40 for the stamp set and the cards. Please let me know if you will be joining us by January 10th so I can order enough products.

Can't make it that day: You can also purchase the "kit" for the same price. Kit pickups will take place after the class has been held. Of course, all class fees and kit fees will need to be pre-paid. Thanks for understanding.

Christmas Candles

Christmas Eve is HERE!  I really do love the Christmas time of year but it sure is a busy time.  Luckly I work in the "schools" so I am off for Christmas break, but my husband works at a church so it's the busy time of year for him.  Someday.....  

Anyway, the people that my hubby works with always gives little gifts to each other.  So I quick whipped up these candles.  They are Candy Cane Mint scented with a quick tag on the top.  I used the two tag die for the SU! big shot (great die to have, love it!) dressed it up with a stamp, candy cane, and ribbon.  When I make my candles I purchase the wax from Swan Creek Candles, the best soy wax ever.  Just melt and pour.  Easy Peasy! 

Enjoy & Merry Christmas!

12 Days of Sales

Stampin' Up! has done it again!  For the next 12 days (till Dec 22nd) tons of their Sizzix Big Shot items are on sale.  Also, Decor Element sheets are on sale.  Why would you want those?  Well, let me tell you first of all they are a great deal:  you can use them with your Big Shot, other die cut machine or even that electronic cutting machine (yep, you all know the one) to cut out tons of great shapes.  You can even use them with your SU! punches.  I've used them with my alphabet dies!  Think I'm going to use some of the chalkboard elements and my Top Note die, to make some great christmas presents.  My mind is whirling with ideas!  

Here's the fine print:  

Online orders may be placed till Dec 22nd at 11:50 MST via my website.

or you may e-mail or call me with your order till 5:00pm EST on the 22nd.  The 22nd is my 8th Wedding Anniversary so I will be out on the town with my hubby after that!  

NOW here are all the deals:

Item Page # Description Regular Price Discounted Price 114515 195 Flower Burst Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 114516 195 Cherry Blossom Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 115957 195 Thanks Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 114513 195 Sweetest Stem Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 115952 195 Hi Embosslits die $11.95 $8.96 115951 197 Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die $74.95 $59.96 113446 197 Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die $19.95 $16.96 114509 197 Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die $21.95 $18.66 113448 197 Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die $19.95 $16.96 113457 198 Tulipe Bigz die $21.95 $16.46 115954 198 Two Tags Bigz die $21.95 $18.66 114524 199 Fringed Flower Bigz die $19.95 $15.96 114523 199 Decorative Accents Bigz die $19.95 $15.96 114534 199 Flower Bigz Clear die $19.95 $15.96 113473 199 5-Point 3D Star Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 113472 199 Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 113470 199 Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 113465 199 Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die $19.95 $16.96 115961 200 Perfect Setting Bigz XL die $42.95 $32.21 113483 200 Pennant Bigz XL die $39.95 $29.96 113484 200 Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die $39.95 $31.96 116760 201 Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die $39.95 $29.96 116759 201 Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die $39.95 $29.96 114890 201 Matchbox Bigz XL die $42.95 $36.51 113458 202 Flower Layers Originals die $15.95 $13.56 114336 158 Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 114334 158 Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 114337 158 Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 114335 158 White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) $12.95 $10.36 118797 n/a So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118798 n/a Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118799 n/a Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118800 n/a Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118801 n/a Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118802 n/a Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118803 n/a Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118804 n/a Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118805 n/a Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118806 n/a Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118807 n/a Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118808 n/a Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118809 n/a Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118810 n/a Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118812 n/a Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118813 n/a Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118814 n/a Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $12.95 $9.71 118815 n/a Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) $14.95 $11.21

NEW Products from the Occasions Mini Catalog

One of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is that you get to order all the new products early.  So I hate to brag, but I have in my hand the NEW 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog, Sale-A-Bration Catalog, and Decor Elements update!!!!  Plus, I already received my first order out of them.  I wish I could post the catalogs for you but I'm not able to till Jan 5th.  However I can show you pictures of the new products I ordered.  

Here they are:

  How cute are these Sweet Pea Stitched Felt????  They are quality stitched felt and come in a pack with 52 pieces total for $7.95.  There also is a paper pack that matches.  Sweet Pea paper stack (our first paper stack) 48 12x12 sheets of two sided designer paper for $24.95.  
You may wonder what kind of product is this?  Guess what??  SU! now has UNMOUNTED STAMPS.  We are calling them clear mount stamps, but the stamps themselves still use SU! quality rubber and foam.   I'm so excited to try them out, so far I've heard great things about them.  All of the stamp sets in the Occasions mini and Sale-a-bration have the option of being clear mounted.  So far here are the benefits I see: price (about 10% less), storage (they store in a DVD case sized box), flexibility (mount several stamps on one acrylic block at once).  I'm sure there are a ton more but that is what quick comes to mind.  
This is the My Matroyshka Stamp set.  You can see the back side of the stamp and then the front side with the optional labels applied to the foam.  Think vinyl cling.
All the clear mount stamp sets come packaged in a storage box (dvd case size) with a label on not only the front but also on the side for quick reference.  
Remember all these stamp sets are available starting January 5th on my website just click on shop.

Christmas Digital Pages

I have a new obsession (did I mention this is our second snow day in a row!!) and it's digital scrapbooking with SU!'s My Digital Studio.  Here are some Christmas pages that only took me minutes to create, so quick and still so cute!

Blizzard SALE!!!

Ok, not really, but SU! is going to have a huge sale starting this Friday December 11th.  I have NO clue what will be on sale, but the word on the street is that it includes items never on sale before.  Those of you that will still be digging out from the blizzard this week can shop online from the comfort of your home, no need to put your coat and boots on.  Of course you can always e-mail me or call to place your order too!  

If you plan on ordering Christmas gifts please make sure that you place your order by December 14th for regular shipping, after the 14th I recommend either 2 day or next day air to ensure on time delivery.  Can't make that deadline????  How about a gift certificate?  I have them in-stock and ready to go.  

My Digital Studio Christmas Cards

This year I've decided to use SU!'s new My Digital Studio program to make my Christmas cards.  Ever since I had Zoë I've struggled with how to get her cute little on a cute hand stamped card.  So now I have the best of BOTH worlds!  So excited and I was truly easy to do.  Really!

My Digital Studio is available for purchase from my website  (click on website) for $79.95.  Don't let that price tag scare you it comes with TONS of digital designer papers, kits, stamps, punches, cardstock, embellishments.  I don't know the exact count off my head but it's got to be hundreds.  Plus there are additional downloads that will continue to come out that you can purchase ($3-$12 range approx) in the future.  

Few Quick Christmas Card Ideas

Well, it's that time of year again!  Maybe you are ahead of the game and already have your cards stamped, signed, and all set to go or maybe not.  

 So, I thought I would quick share some card ideas.  

 

Christmas CD Scrapbook Class 12/13

Hi Everyone!  It's been a while since I taught a class SO I've decided to hold one.  On December 13th at 2:00pm I will be teaching this cute scrapbook class.  This is a great gift idea for those people that you need a little something gifty for OR just to keep for yourself!  

The cost will be $20.  For this $20 you will receive 1/2 of a pack of the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin Kit, all the accessories and paper that you need to make the project, and a set of instructions so that you can remember how it's made in the future.  

This class will take about 2 hours to complete more or less.  

If you are interested here is the fine print: 

December 13th at 2:00 at my home

1514 Erin St 

Jenison, MI 49428

616-550-8054 or taraangus@gmail.com

I MUST know that you are attending and have your $20 in hand, cash, check, or paypal* by SATURDAY DEC 5th  so that I can order enough Scrappin Kits.

If you would like to make this project but can't attend you may sign up for a "Kit" and can pick it up from me after the class to make the scrapbook on your own, or for an additional $5 I will ship the "Kit" to you.   

Your class fee of $20 is not refundable if you are not able to make it to the class, however you will be able to pick your kit up from me after the class to put it together on your own.  

Thanks for understanding!

*If you are interested in payment via paypal please send me an e-mail at taraangus@gmail.com and I will send you an invoice.  Thanks!  

Holiday Sale!

RIGHT NOW Stampin' Up! is having a huge sale!  Some bundles of products are up to 50% off.  Caught your eye didn't I?!!!!  

All you have to do is go to www.taraangus.stampinup.net  and click on store to see what's on sale.  Here's the fine print.  This sale only goes from today 11/23-11/30 and some of the products are limited supply so when they are gone they are gone.  Go check it out!  

Events, Events, Events!

November is going to be a busy month, but I am so glad that it is!  

Here are a few events that you can come and check out:

November 7: 4th Annual Scrappalooza (fundraiser for P.A.S.S Soccer)  10am-10pm

Located at 15 Division, Grand Rapids, MI

All day scrappin!  This is a great event for a great cause.  Lots of great scrappers, food, and sharing.  Let me know if you are interested and I can hook you up with more information.  

November 14th: 2nd Annual Home and Craft Expo

 9-3  at Garden Crossings

4902-96^th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464

Lots of vendors on site to get your Christmas Shopping done!  

November  20: Holiday Open House * 20+ vendors (something for everyone!)

5:30pm-8:30pm

Hager Park Vander Lann Room, Jenison, MI

on the Corner of Bauer Rd and 28th Ave (Notice this is 28th AVE, as in the ave that goes through Hudsonville, not 28th STREET that runs through Kentwood).  Just to make sure that you can find it all you non-Hudsonville/Jenison people out there!

I still have a few dates for workshops/in-home classes but they are filling up FAST!  

Here they are:

Monday Nov 9

Sunday Nov 15

Thursday Nov 19

Remember our extra Hostess Specials go only till 30th!   

 

Gift for a Bride

I quick whipped up this journal gift bag the other day for a bride.  She is just like her mom in the sense that she keeps a journal everyday.  Wish I was more like that, but I just scrapbook instead.  

Designer Paper Used: Nouveau Chic Item Num 115670

Big Shot Flower Folds Die Item Num 115970

ArtPrize '09

Well, I have finally recovered from ArtPrize '09!  For those of you that don't know, ArtPrize was a HUGE international art contest here in Grand Rapids, MI.  The grand prize was $250,000!!!!  Can you imagine how many stamps I could buy with that!!!  I didn't win, bummer for my stamp collection.  Actually, I had no thoughts of winning.  I was just so pleased to be a part of it.  The competition was steep even to find a venue to show your piece in, there were hundreds of artists that were not selected by a venue that missed out.     So me and 1,200+ of my closest artist friends were there!  Here are some pictures of my entry "Urbanity" 

I should add too that I work as a counselor in an very urban alternative high school.  I wanted my students to be involved in my piece.  So, they were asked to write on a strip of paper what they felt their barrier was, something that was a struggle or happened to them that effects them still.  They were so excited to be a part of it that even some of my students that I usually don't talk with went down and saw my piece on their own time.  The purpose of my piece was to bring awareness of what urban teens witness and go through in their life's so that we can build them up, break down the barriers, and help them through their issues.   

My Digital Studio!

OHHHHHHHH, MYY GOODNESS!!!!!!  

Stampin' Up!  just released their brand spankin new Digital Program.  It is SO cool.  Not only can you use it for digital scrapbooking but also for card making, calendars, and so forth.  

Very easy to use even for me the non techie person.  As a demonstrator I was already able to order it (Demonstrators always get to order everything about a month before everyone else!) but YOU can get your hands on it on October 1st.  Check out my first pages.  

I'm Baaaaack!

Well, I will be the first to admit that I haven't been keeping up on my blog like I had wished.  Bummer.  I have been super busy ever since convention.  Let's see I went to convention, was only home hours and went camping for 5 days.  Super fun! 

Also, another exciting thing in my life is that I am an Art Prize artist.  Ok, I know that you are probably thinking what???? Art prize is a international art competition that is taking place in Grand Rapids, MI the end of September.  Most of you don't know, but my BA degree is actually in Art, so when I heard about Art Prize I thought I have got to be a part of this history.  I have no plans of "winning" but it is still cool to be selected by a venue (let me tell you it was tricky to get) to show my painting.  Once things get finished up I'll post a picture on here.  If you want more details go to www.artprize.org

All that to say, August has been BUSY!

Convention DAY ONE (Thurs)

Well, today started early, like all convention days do.  I have a 30-40 min ride to convention each morning while my husband drives me down from Park City each morning.  We are staying up here because well, we just wanted to. We both love the mountains and it's cooler here so that is better for Zoë.  

This morning I finished up some swaps on the way in!  :)

We got to see a sneak of the My Digital Studio program the SU! is coming out with  this fall.  Demos will of course get to pre-order it before everyone else!  Got to love being a demo!!!!  The Studio is in the last stages for testing and will be out some time before January 4.....I think it will be a lot before that.  I am just guessing but I bet by Oct we will have it in our hands....Let's hope.  SU! has partnered with a printer for the pages and "books"  their machines will be calibrated so that they will match SU! colors exactly.  

We also saw several projects that were made with the Build-a-bear products.  They are SO SO cute.  Tons of great ideas and cute projects.  Got to have it all the way!  At the end of general session SU! announced that a new BAB was in Memento Mall for purchase.  The bear came with it's own SU! workshop apron, stamp, and bow.  Zoë is one lucky girl and she is super happy about her new bear!  

I participated in 5 different organized swaps today so lots of swaps to go through.  I'll try to post pictures at a later date, like, when I get home.  

SU! Convention: Check in day

Hello from Utah!  Well, my family made it to Utah yesterday after many many hours in the air and in the airport.   It is SO nice and warm here!  Summer is here unlike it is in Michigan.  

Today was check in day where we swapped, picked up our bag (with free stamps inside), and shopped at memento mall!

The picts are of what I purchased... yes, I know it's a lot but hey convention only comes once a year!  Look at how cute the hoodie is!  LOVE IT!!!!

We ended the day at SU! distribution and corporate headquarters in Riverton.  SU! is pretty much the same as always but the  displays changed a bit since last year.  

My goal is to try to update each day so we will see how that goes!  

Sunday Technique: Faux Linen

Here is this weeks technique. Sorry it's later in the day but I've been busy getting ready for CONVENTION!!!!

The pictures don't really do it justice but I will explain the steps to you, it's easy and adds a new look to your cards.  Think linen pants meet stamping. 

Faux Linen

1. Using white glossy cardstock take your sanding block and lightly sand off the "finish" both vertically and horizontally.  You should be able to see your sanded lines with gloss in between.

2. Using a stampin' sponge pick up a lighter color of ink and dab all over the white cardstock.  

3. Sand lightly again.

4. Stamp your main images in the colors of your choice and let dry for a few minutes.   

5. Complete your card.  

On this card I used:

Autumn Days Stamp Set $23.95

Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set $36.95 (but I got it for FREE, Thanks SU!, I love it!)

So Saffron Ink (background color)

Crushed Curry Ink and Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon (turned over so the dots didn't show)

Dusty Durango Ink and Card Stock

Soft Suede Ink and Card Stock

White Glossy Card Stock

Silver Brads

Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper

See I told you it was an easy technique!  

Happy Stamping.   

Become a Demonstrator for only $85

BECOME A DEMONSTRATOR

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during July and August is especially sweet!

Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that? Plus, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85!

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including

For All You Do stamp set

In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)

Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")

In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")

Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes

Five stamp sets

A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge

Stampin' Pastels

Card stock

Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool

Five Classic Stampin' Pads

VersaMark Pad

Stampin' Scrub and Mist

Blender pens

SNAIL 

Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!
Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator
hether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.

Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision! See the Compensation Table for more information.

Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.

Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on our Demonstrator Web Site.

So what are you waiting for? Contact me TODAY to join.  Www.tarangus.stampinup.net