Friday, March 27, 2009

Stampin' Addict Challenges

A few weeks ago, one of my good demo friends Angie and her husband started a new website for those of us who love Stampin' Up! products: Stampin' Addicts. It's a place to share ideas and get answers to questions about stamping. The site has grown from 30 orginal members to over 500 in a short amount of time.

I offered to help in anyway I could and got the assignment to be in charge of the challenges. Basically that means I coordinate the six challenges a week. I only host two of them and we have four very talented hostesses who also offer them too.

The two I host are the card sketch challenge on Thursdays and the scrapbook challenge on Saturday. This weeks card sketch challenge was based on a sketch I found on the makingbirthdaycards website. Here is the card I made for the challenge:


The card features the Flower Fancy stamp set from the main catalog and Oval All from the Occasions Mini that will be available next week. The colors are Baja Breeze, Basic Black and Whisper White. Like that scalloped oval? It will also be available in the Occassions Mini Catalog. I love it! I ran the black strip through my Big Shot with the Texture Impression Plates that are available exclusively through Stampin' Up!

For last Saturday's scrapbook challenge, I decided to post a mini album instead of a scrapbook sketch. It's a flag accordion album and it turned out so cute! Mine features the Sunshine Garden Simple Scrapbook Kit. I will be offering this at my May Stampin' Buffet on May 2 as a great Mother's Day present for grandma, or just a cute album for your own collection.


For more information and to play along, visit Stampin' Addicts and click on the forum section. The challenges are open to anyone who wants to play along. There are no time limits or other rules, just have fun!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Sale-A-Bration Stampin' Buffet - March 28

To mark the end of Sale-A-Bration, March's stampin' buffet projects all feature stamps, paper and ribbons that are only available to earn free during Sale-A-Bration time. How does Sale-A-Bration work? For every $50 in purchases from the catalog you make, you can pick a Sale-A-Bration item. This year Stampin' Up is offering four cute stamp sets, a pack of exclusive Designer Series Paper and a ribbon bundle.

WHEN: Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Yes, I did need to reschedule this a week later than originally planned.)

WHERE: My House (call for directions)

WHAT: Pick and choose from the projects, cards and scrapbook pages you want to make and how many of each.

RSVP: by noon on Wednesday, March 25 and let me know which projects and cards you would like to make so I can have enough ready to go that day. (801)967-3210 or paula24@comcast.net

EXTRA BONUS: Anyone who places a Sale-A-Bration qualifying order during the month of March (including at the Buffet) will receive a $10 credit toward their buffet project fees. Also, if orders at the buffet reach $150, I will hold a drawing for a free level one hostess item from the catalog from those placing an order of any size. Additional drawing for a free hostess set will be held if orders total $300.

Here are the projects and their prices. You can click on the pictures to get a closer look.


Monogram Stationary Box: This box would make a great gift, or keep it for yourself. The first picture shows the box closed. The middle one shows what it looks like when it is open. Notice a compartment for each of the types of cards as well as a notebook to jot down addresses and important dates and a pocket for postage stamps. The last picture shows the eight regular cards, four 3x3 cards and four gift tags that go inside. It uses the Sale-A-Bration Designer Series Paper, two different Sale-A-Bration Stamp sets and the ribbon bundle. This project will take the average stamper 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete so please plan accordingly. Cost: $16

Yummy Treat Basket: Fill this sweet basket with your favorite cookies, or a little Easter grass and some candy and it's the perfect gift for your visiting teaching sisters, your neighbor, child's teacher or anyone who deserves a little yummy for their tummy. It uses the Designer Series Paper, Yummy Stamp Set and the ribbon bundle. Cost: $2.50

Wonderful You Scrapbook Layout: This two-page 12x12 spread can be altered slightly to fit a boy or a girl. It features the same paper and ribbon and the Polka-Dot Punch Stamp Set. The picture sizes are noted if you would like to bring yours and complete the layout. Cost: $6


Way to B Accordion Album: This little picture book is 4"x3" when closed (top picture) and 4"x12" when open. It makes a great gift or perfect little displays. This simple project features the Just B stamp set from the main catalog as well as the Sale-A-Bration paper and ribbon. (And yes, that is my cute Spencer in the pictures.) Cost: $3

Top Note Quilt Card: I learned this fun technique to turn Designer Series Paper scraps into a quilt from my friend and fellow demo Amy Bell. Cost: $1.25

Polka Dot Punches Card: This card has been so popular, I decided to bring it back for the buffet. Everything punches out so it is fast and easy. Cost: $1.25

A Little Something Pocket Card: And now for something completely different, this one features two top notes turned into a pocket card. Simple and very cute. It would also make a great gift card holder. There will be different papers from the Bella Rose Designer Series Paper to choose from. Cost: $1.25


Kind Bloom: Featuring the Botanical Bloom Sale-A-Bration stamp set. This sweet card reminds the receiver "to thine own self be kind." Cost: $1.25

Wonderful Purple: I know there are purple lovers out there. This one is for you! It also features the Botanical Blooms set and you will be able to customize the greeting on the card too. Cost: $1.25

Feel free to bring a friend! I hope to see you there. Light refreshments will be served.