Holiday Catalog Goes Live Tomorrow

The wait for the 2015 Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog is almost over!  Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1st at 2 am (mountain time) the catalog will be live and the ordering begins!  If you've got a "must have" list, then I suggest ordering early (to avoid any possibility of something going on back order).

I'm SO excited about all the new products!  Did you see the video I posted earlier this month revealing some of these amazing products?  You are not going to believe all the bundles!  (Love it when Stampin' Up! bundles products together because that means they save you money!  Bundles are 15% off!)

Here's the video again just in case you missed it the first time:


And, I wanted to share with you a couple creative projects that feature new products from the Holiday Catalog.  Just click on the link to get the step-by-step instruction sheet with supply list!

Did you know that I send these (and more!) project ideas with instructions to my email subscribers?  If you want to receive all the project ideas, too, then subscribe today!

Embellished Ornaments

Reason for the Season

Lighthearted Leaves

My StampinTx subscribers get project ideas along with the instructions sheets (and supply lists) delivered straight to their inbox!

There's no shortage of ideas!  If you want to start getting these too, be sure and subscribe today!

Happy stamping,

Stampin' Up! Cards Designed by Club Members

Each month I pose a card challenge to my classes and the creations they come up with are always amazing!  I thought it would be fun to feature different stampers and sharing their cards with you! 

January's card challenge:  In class we created 2 cards using the same pieces but came up with totally different looks (the pieces are cut to 4 1/4" X 2 3/4" and 4" X 2 1/2" - they layer on each other).  Their challenge was to use these same measurements on their card.

Our first Featured Stamper for the Card Challenge is Jeanne!

Isn't she SO creative?

Thank you, Jeanne, for sharing your card!

(I forgot to ask Jeanne the colors she used on her card so I'm doing a little guessing here.)

Stamps:  World Treasures (126767;  $17.95)

Inks & Card Stock:  Marina Mist, Pacific Point, Old Olive

Accessories:  Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (127751;  $7.95), Vanilla Smooch Spritz (118772;  $4.95)

Would you like to give this card layout a try?

It's an easy one to create but it's amazing how different the cards turn out.  All you need are the following pieces:

Card Base:  Cut to 8.5 X 5.5"

(the base can be turned portrait or landscape)

Inside Piece for Mat:  4 1/4 X 2 3/4"

Inside Piece to layer on top:  4 X 2.5"

I'd love to see your creations!  

Email me your card(s) at beckc@rocketmail.com and you could be a featured stamper too!

Stay tuned for more featured stampers....

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Up! Sale-a-Bration Promotion

Today's the Day!

It's time to Sale-a-Brate!

Get all the Sale-a-Bration details and join the fun!

(Earn FREE products if you shop, host or join!)

I have a few more swap projects to share with you from my demonstrator meeting.  Both projects happen to use some of the new Sale-a-Bration products!  View the entire line of Sale-a-Bration products online.

This card was created by Teresa Goff:

Shari Winhold made this adorable mini treat holder!  Isn't it too cute?  She used the Petal Card Double punch to make the "box".  (You'll need to punch two of these shapes and then adhere the flaps together.)

Sale-a-Bration Products used on Teresa's card and Shari's box:

• Pretty Petites Stamp Set coordinates with the Petite Curly Label Punch
• Petite Curly Label Punch (earn the punch for free during Sale-a-Bration or afterwards)

• Sycamore Street Designer Series paper

• Sycamore Street Button and Ribbon Pack

So, are you ready to Sale-a-Brate?

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Swaps - Part 1

Do you enjoy crafting with your friends?  I do too!  Being a demonstrator with Stampin' Up! has opened up a whole new group to me and over the past 6 years, these ladies have become some of my closest friends!

This past Friday night was one of those crafting times!  We gather together once a month to share ideas, swap cards, and keep each other informed on all things Stampin' Up! related.  This is one talented group of ladies!  Here are some of the swap cards I received:

This first card was made by Cindy Peterson.  It uses the new Designer Builder Brads.  The blue on the brad was created by punching a small circle (the small circle in the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack) and adhering it the brad before putting the clear, epoxy bubble on top..

This next card was created by Kim Judice.
What an adorable card showcasing the new stamp set Oh, Hello.

The card below was created by Janet Holmes.  The new More Amore Specialty Designer Paper is just gorgeous!  This pack of paper not only contains 2 each of 5 double-sided designs, it also includes 2 sheets of single-sided laser cut hearts!

This card was created by Judi Martin.
The bicycle on the front is from one of the Sale-a-Bration sets called Feeling Sentimental.  

What is Sale-a-Bration?  It's Stampin' Up!'s biggest promotion of the year!  For every $50 purchase, you'll receive 1 free Sale-a-Bration item.
Sale-a-Bration beings tomorrow, January 22nd, and you'll  be able to see all the exclusive stamp sets online!

See what I mean?  These ladies are talented and I'm so blessed to call them my friends!

Would you like to meet monthly with us and make new friends too?

That's just one of the many perks of being a Cowtown Crafter!

Happy Stamping!

Scrapbook Expo Grapevine Texas

It's almost here!
 The Scrapbook Expo is coming to Grapevine, Texas!  

My friend, and fellow demonstrator, Sharon and I will have a Stampin' Up! booth!
Can you tell I'm excited?

Mark your calendars and plan on joining us on
Friday, February 22nd or Saturday, February 23rd.  

Come by our booth for a make-n-take, samples galore, free product give-aways and more!

We'll even have the NEW My Paper Pumpkin kits on display (this is a new monthly kit program and the projects are adorable!).

Get all the details about this show on the Scrapbook Expo website.

I hope to see you at the Expo in February!

Yeehaw!!

Stampin' Up! Valetines Cards & Projects

Are you ready for Valentines Day this year?  I've had Valentine's Day on my brain lately!  

It seems like every other card or project I make right now is Valentine's themed.  It's kind of funny because I don't usually give Valentine's cards to my friends (I usually make little gifties for my daughter's teacher and class) but when I created this Sweet Friend card, I realized I can give it any time!  It's simple and elegant and with the help of the new 1 1/4" Two-Tone Ribbon, it really dresses it up nicely.

This two-tone ribbon doesn't necessarily have one side Pink Pirouette and one side Rose Red.  The ribbon has both of these colors blended together!

Stamps:  You Are Loved

Ink:  Rose Red, Pink Pirouette

Paper: Rose Red card stock, Whisper White card stock

Accessories:  Honeycomb embossing folder, Two-Tone Ribbon, Hearts Collection Framelits, Big Shot

Valentine Treat Box

I just love these little Kraft Gift Boxes.  They're so versatile and easy to decorate.  I thought I'd use this one for my daughter's teacher (just not sure what to put in it yet).

Stamps:  Ciao Baby

Ink:  Real Red 

Paper: More Amore Designer Series Paper, Real Red card stock, Pool Party card stock

Accessories:  Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Creped Filter Paper

Square Valentine's Card

When I saw this card on Mary Fish's website, I knew I just had to give it a try!

What projects do you plan on making for Valentine's this year?

Be sure to order your supplies online soon so you'll have time to make fun Valentine's gifts and cards!

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2013 - Sample Boards

One thing is for sure at any Stampin' Up! event - there is NO shortage of ideas!

In the Demonstrator Resource Center, the display boards went on and on and on!  There were so many great ideas, it was hard to get pictures of them all!

Below are just a few of the display boards (you may have to save the pic to your computer and then zoom in for a closer look).  View all the thumbnails pictures I took from the Demonstrator Resource Center here.

Want to see some of these display boards for yourself?  Join me on Saturday, February 16th in Dallas for the Stampin' Up! Regional event.  All are welcome to come and enjoy a day of learning new techniques, seeing new samples and having fun with your friends!  Contact me today to join the fun!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2013 - Swaps & Ideas

In just two days at Leadership, I came home with 34 different card ideas!  How did I do it?  Swaps!

During any Stampin' Up! event (Leadership, Convention, or Regional events), swapping is a highlight.  Basically, I made 34 of the same card front and swapped (or traded) them with others so we can all come home with new ideas!

Some ladies swap way more than 34 (I only had time to make 34 this year).  Some ladies make 100 or 150 to swap!

Since there are so many swaps I'd like to share, I've decided to post some here on my blog  (to whet your appetite!), but to see the majority of my swaps, be sure to check out my Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/stampintexas  (And while you're there, "Like" my page) 



Want to attend a Stampin' Up! event?  Each year Stampin' Up! holds Regional events around the US and next month, they'll be in Dallas!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 16th.  If you'd like to join the fun and attend the Dallas Regional, let me know and we'll get you signed up!  I'll post more details when they become available.

A sampling of some of the swaps I received:

Adorable dress card created by Barbara Dykhouse

This card uses the new All Dressed Up stamp set and Framelits die - too cute!

A variety of Valentine's 3D items - love it!

These would make great little gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends!

Get Whale Soon card created by Cindy Peterson

Coordinates with the Happy Whale Clearlits Die

I just love the design and layout of this card!

I wish I could give credit to someone but there isn't a name on the back.

The sunshine card was created by Sharon Cheng.  I love the bright colors and the use the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper.

These are just a few of the many amazing swaps I received at Leadership this year.  Don't forget to head on over to my Facebook page to view the majority of the cards.

https://www.facebook.com/stampintexas  

(And while you're there, "Like" my page) 

Happy Stamping!
#leadership2013

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2013 - Recap

Have you ever been a part of an event that left you feeling like to can accomplish anything?
That's just the way I feel after the Stampin' Up! Leadership event in Orlando, Florida!  Leadership was two full days of seeing new products and ideas, learning new techniques, swapping cards, but above all it was about being with my demonstrator friends, new and old!

As I sit here and reflect on this past weekend, I feel excited and inspired as I look forward to all that 2013 has in store!  I'm excited about the new clubs and classes as well as inspired with new project ideas to share with you.

One of the last presenters was especially moving when he talked about finding the "pearl" in Stampin' Up!  In other words, "What was the real reason I chose to be with (and stay with) Stampin' Up?"  Was it for the free products?  Trips?  Discounts?  Making money?  All of these are definitely perks, but for me the answer came quickly - The "pearl" was YOU!

The amazing friendships that I have begun and continue to grow because of Stampin' Up! are priceless!  Who knew that this company I signed up for "to just have fun" would bring me life-long friends!

Amazing ladies in my Stampin' Up! "family tree":

Our group from Fort Worth:

 Marilyn, Cindy, Melody, Christi (me)

Sharon (middle)

Sharon and I outside the main gathering place.

My New Friends:

I actually worked with both these ladies online but had never met them in person.  It was by pure coincidence that we met, too.  They sat down at our table for lunch and during our conversation, realized that we knew each other from online!  What a small world!

See what I mean about the friendships?
Amazing people - amazing company!
Thank you Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! Leadership Event 2013 - Friday

Having a great time here at Leadership in Orlando, Florida!

Here are photos from Friday

Christmas Stocking Stuffers

This is one of my all time favorite classes for the year - Christmas Stocking Stuffers! 

I guess I just love Christmas and it makes me feel good to give handmade items to everyone on my list - kids' teachers, neighbors, family and friends!

Would you like to join me in making a little something for those on your Christmas list too?  Well, this year there are 8 different projects you can choose from!  At the class, you decide which items to make and how many! (class is in West Fort Worth)

Here's how it works:

• RSVP for the day that works best for you:
  Friday, November 2nd - 7pm until 9pm
  Saturday, November 3rd - 10am until 12noon
• Class fee is:  $5
• Pay for the projects you make (projects range in price from $2 to $5 each).  You decide which projects to make and how many.

It's that easy!  You leave with gift items made and ready to go for Christmas!  

Let me start by sharing with you this adorable Snowman Chocolate Bar (one of the 8 project choices).

Snowman Candy Bar
This cute little snowman (or is it a snow girl, since she's pink?) was created by wrapping white card stock around a Hershey chocolate bar.  We'll be adding a fuzzy little pink 'hat' on top (this is actually a sock!) and buttons on the bottom.  The buttons you'll be creating will be made by using the Buttons #5 Sizzlits die and the Big Shot die cutting machine.  I'll also have blue socks for the snowmen!
Cost:  $3 each

Check back each day to see up close pictures and descriptions of the other fun projects we'll be making at the Stocking Stuffers Class this year!

Happy Stamping!

Candy Wrapper

For today's project, let's create an adorable candy wrapper!  The inspiration came from a swap I received at Stampin' Up! convention this past July.  (There wasn't a name on the project but to whomever created these for convention, "Thank You!!")

When I saw this little wrapper, I just knew I had to create one (or two or three or four....)!

Watch today's tutorial!

What kinds of little gift items will you be making for Halloween?

Halloween Treat Box

Ready for another cute Halloween project?
In today's tutorial, you'll learn how to create the green Halloween treat box (the one with the black paper strips coming out of the top).

For this project I used the Petite Purse die with the Big Shot die cutting machine (I don't know what I'd do without my Big Shot - I use it all the time!), Lucky Limeade card stock and Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta ribbon.

Shop for these and all your other stamping supplies through my online store.  

Spoiler Alert:
In September, receive a FREE spool of Stitched ribbon valued at $8.95 with your purchase of $40 or more!

Happy Stamping & Creating!

Inspiration Everywhere!!

Yesterday I had my monthly Stamp Club over to my house to make cards and to share some laughs! As some of you may know, I love the Betsy's Blossoms Stamp Set. So of course one of the cards we were making for stamp club centered around Betsy's Blossoms.

Before the Stampers' arrived, Carol, my summer intern, came over to help me set everything up. I heard the car door shut from my house, so I went to the door to unlock it for her. As she gets out of her car all I can think is: She is wearing Betsy's Blossoms!!

It was incredible how similar it looked. Take a look for yourself: (This is an up close picture of the sweater Carol was wearing!)

Isn't that unreal? My daughter even asked if we had stamped on Carol's sweater! The ladies from Club even mentioned to Carol " You are wearing the Stamp Set!"

Not only was I tickled to death seeing Betsy's Blossoms in clothing form, I also just couldn't get over how much I loved the color combination. As I continued to look at her sweater I started to match the colors on the fabric to Stampin' colors. I was able to match it almost perfectly with Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Not Quite Navy, and Summer Starfruit.


I made a small sample (which Carol is holding below) to make sure it matched- and we succeeded!

I loved the design and just knew that I had to make a card out of it! Take a look:

What do you think?   Isn't it amazing that you can get stamping inspiration from anywhere??  So be on the look out for fun patterns and color combinations when you're out and about!

Happy stamping and creating!