Sunday was a big bust! Hailey (my 4 year old) had a fever all day and felt lousy AND then Jayden (my 10 year old) got a migraine and suffered with pain and nausea for about 6 hours…poor guy. He gets migraines from me and I feel so bad that he's had to deal with them since he was quite young. Thankfully, he's better and was able to go to school today but Hailey slept in till 11am and still has a fever so she's home for the day watching movies.

Today I thought I'd share a card made by Jenn Campbell that used the Creative Elements stamp set. I love the colours and simplicity!

Stamp Sets:  Creative Elements (wood- 1122645  cling- 122647
Paper: Soft Suede 115318, Sahara Sand 121043, Pretty in Pink 100459, Very Vanilla 101650, First Edition DSP 121878
Ink: Pretty in Pink 101301, Soft Suede 115667

To purchase any of these products online, go to my store www.stampingjo.com/store and enter the codes above in the search bar then press "enter".

Reminders:
1) Clearance Rack still on…lots of great products!!!! More info
2) FREE Tutorial of the Month with any online order! Check it out now
3) Earn Jo Jo Points for orders over $50 online
4) Join the Stamp Set of the Month Club before Dec. 31st and you'll receive a BONUS product in your January package: NEW large Pearl Jewels from the upcoming Mini Catalogue! Hot new product!!! More info

Have you been on my facebook page? I've just started a conversation about Christmas traditions! I'd love to hear yours, go check it out and share your traditions!!!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Elements of Style (118611w or 120045c), Chamomile Standard Wheel (avail Jan 2012)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (119669), Versamark (102283), Early Espresso (119670)
Paper:   Cherry Cobbler  (119685), Early Espresso (119686), Very Vanilla (101650), Brushed Gold (102935)
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Label Collection Framelits (avail Jan 2012), Blossom Party Die (115971), 1-3/4 Circle Punch (119850), 1-1/4" Striped Cherry Cobbler Ribbon (125056), Linen Thread (104199), Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Heat Tool (100005), Stampin' Sponges (101610), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

I can't wait till Leadership 2102…this year we are going to San Antonio, TX….how fun is that?!

Now that it's September, it's really time to think about your Christmas cards and gifties!!! There are so many amazing products that I know you'll find the perfect one to suit your needs!

Here are my top 10 faves:

 1) Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die #124098
Make fun holiday stockings with paper, fabric, felt, and more! Perfect to accent any holiday craft or gift, or to create a stocking garland! Try accenting your stocking using the Stocking Accents Originals Die. Use with Standard Cutting Pads. Stocking measures 5-1/2" x 4-3/4". Die measures 6" x 8-3/4".

 2) Simply Scored  #122334
Take the chore out of scoring! The Simply Scored Scoring Tool’s base fits paper or card stock up to 12" x 12" and features score tracks every 1/8". Features two easy-to-read rulers (with inch markings down to 1/8") along top and left side for perfect scoring. (One standard left-to-right ruler and one zero center ruler.) Includes three markers and stylus. Bottom of base has nonmarking
and nonskid feet to secure it on your work areach Base measures Approximately
15-1/8" x 13-1/4" x 1".

3) Stocking Builder Punch  #124095
Create your own unique little stockings for gift tags, cards, or scrapbook pages with this builder punch. Coordinates with images in the Stitched Stockings Set and the stocking image in the Gift Givers Set.

4) Stitched Stockings Stamp Set  (wood: 123782 cling: 123784)
What better way to deck the halls than with an assortment of festive Christmas stockings? This seven-piece set coordinates with the Stocking Builder Punch to help you create unique gift tags, cards, or scrapbook pages.  Set Quantity: 7

5) Winter Wishes Stitched Felt  124108
Exclusive designs and custom coloring make these fun and cozy felt accents perfect adornments for your holiday greeting cards or gifts. Unique designs make it easy to meet any holiday need. 16 pieces total: 4 each of 4 designs.
 
 6) 1" X 8" Cellophane Bag  124134
Narrow cellophane bags perfect for filling with a row of treats, a pencil, or anything! Great for gifts—add a tag or topper you’ve created using any punch or Big Shot die. Adhesive on top keeps everything inside. Each measures 1" x 8". 50 per package.

7) Dazzling Details
This iridescent glitter glue will add dazzling sparkle to any project with less mess! The narrow tip allows for precise application. Nontoxic and acid free. 0.6 oz.

8 ) Mini Jingle Bells   124116
Add a little jingle to your holiday projects and décor with these mini silver bells. Bells really ring and easily attach to your projects using our Linen Thread. 48 total bells; each Approximately 6 mm diameter.

9) It's a Wrap Holidays  (wood: 122770 cling: 122772)
Designed to allow you to create wrappers for candy pieces, the versatile images in this seven-piece set also work well on cards, bookmarks, tags, and so much more! Make a stack to have on hand for quick and easy gift giving! Set Quantity: 7

10) Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit  124007
Preserve and embellish your holiday photos in a snap with this festive kit. Great for making holiday cards as well! Enjoy easy coordination with other Stampin’ Up! products, such as the Cherry Trim Designer 6" x 6" Album. Paper pattern swatches shown at 18%.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my FAVES….now let's do something FUN! Leave me a comment with your  top 3 FAVES and I'll have a random draw. If you win, you'll receive one of my FAVES for free! (Deadline:  Sept. 7th noon. Canada only please)

Click on the links below to view the mini catalogue or download the Stampin' Supply List:
Holiday Mini Catalogue
Supply List

Go to my store…remember to look on left hand side for categories including the holiday mini catalogue products!

~~Join me for CARD CLASS the 2nd Friday of every month. More info at: www.stampingjo.com/stamp-with-me/classes  

Here's a more masculine birthday card that you can quickly create! It features three different Sale-A-Bration products. Can you spot them? There's the owl from Punch Bunch, the greeting from So Happy for You and the button is from the Ice Cream Parlour Ribbon & Button pack. If you don't have Punch Bunch yet…trust me, it is the must-have set of Sale-A-Bration, five cute images that coordinate with Stampin' Up punches!!!

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Punch Bunch (SAB), So Happy for You (SAB)
• Ink: Early Espresso (119670)
• Paper: Early Espresso (119686), Whisper White (100730), Rich Razzleberry Cardstock (115316), Playdate Designer Series Paper (117168), Bold Brights Designer Series Paper Stack (117155)
• Accessories: SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rich Razzleberry 1/8 Taffeta Ribbon (119259),Ribbon & Button Pack (SAB), Mini Glue Dots (103683)
• Tools: Owl Punch (118074), 1 3/8 Scallop Circle Punch (119854)

Step by Step Directions

1. Cut a 2 x 4 inch strip of the Playdate paper and a 1 x 4 inch strip of the Rich Razzleberry Designer Series Paper. Adhere Rich Razzleberry strip to back of Playdate strip with SNAIL so about .5 of an inch shows. Adhere panel to card base.
2. Cover seam of the two papers with ribbon attached using SNAIL and trimmed off on edges.
3. Stamp Owl in Early Espresso on Whisper White and punch out with coordinating punch.
4. Punch scallop circle out of Rich Razzleberry and attach owl with SNAIL. Attach to card base with Stampin' Dimensionals and top off with button using mini glue dots.

The WINNER of my MICKEY MOUSE blog candy is….
JANA  

Congrats Jana….email me privately with your address and I'll send you your goodies! 

Sale-A-Bration ends March 31^st, so place your qualifying order before then to earn Punch Bunch, So Happy for You or the Ribbon and Button Pack for FREE! You can email me to place an order or shop 24/7 in my online store.

Here's a quick and easy card you can whip up with the Big Shot!

It features to of my favourite new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog – First Edition Designer Series Paper (121878) and the Fun Flower Big Die (121812). The card is based on one spotted in the magazine all Stampin' Up demonstrators get monthly, and it's just one of many great perks demonstrators get.

I'd love to talk to you more about all of the awesome perks of being a demonstrator including a 20% discount on your purchases. The starter kit is on sale now, so it's the perfect time to join!

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
• Ink: Perfect Plum Classic Ink (101437)
• Paper: Soft Suede, Perfect Plum (101889), Certainly Celery (105125), Very Vanilla (101650), Newsprint Designer Series Paper (121878)
• Accessories: SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Certainly Celery 1/8 Taffeta Ribbon (119255), Soft Subtles Designer Buttons (119745), Mini Glue Dots (103683)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (115964), Fun Flowers Big Die (121812), Modern Label Punch (119849), Blossom Petals Punch (121808)

Step by Step Directions

1. Fold Soft Suede card base in half.
2. Take card base and run through Big Shot with Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder. Remember you are debossing it so the pattern will be inset, not raised as usual.
3. Create flower out of Perfect Plum and Newsprint Designer Series Paper by running Fun Flowers die through the Big Shot. Attach the two flowers together using SNAIL and add to card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.
4. Punch leaf out of Certainly Celery with Blossom Petals punch and layer under flower.
5. Thread button with ribbon as shown and attach to flower with a Mini Glue Dot.
6. Stamp greeting in Perfect Plum on Very Vanilla and attach to card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

If you've ever considered joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator…to SAVE money to to MAKE some money…NOW is the time! The kit is 15% off PLUS you get an additional $60 bonus kit for free!

There's TWO kits to choose from:

Click here to download flyer!

If you're ready to join, you can join online here  OR give me a call and I'll do it for you!

Need more info? Here it is: 

FAQ's
Why sign up with Inky Divas
Many Reasons to be a Demo

You can customize your kit, print off this worksheet to help you pick your products:

Standard Starter Kit
Digital Starter Kit

I'm happy to help…ask me any questions!

Gift Project: Honey of a Day 3D

Make a happy treat like this one to please someone you know who is a busy bee. Boxes are easy to adorn with punched shapes and stamped images to create custom containers for all kinds of tasty treats. Make this project to reward a loved one for all their hard work.

Quick Order Link

Card Project: Thank You Card

A hug from a friend is one of the greatest blessings. Extend one to each of your closest friends with this image from our The Nicest Things set. Charmingly framed in a scallop oval and matted with a polka-dot embossed background, this piece of watercolor art will convey your warmth and sincerity perfectly.

Quick Order Link

There are a lot of cool things about being a Stampin' Up demonstrator, but hands down one of my favourites is the magazine called Stampin' Success that we receive in the mail each month. It is packed full of business tips, and great samples. This card is inspired by one from the February issue of Stampin' Success and features the Nature Walk (W121925/C121997) stamp set from the Occasion Mini catalogue.

Did you that the Stampin' Up starter kit is on sale as part of Sale-A-Bration? Right now the kit is 15% off and comes with an extra bundle of free product including the color coach, a simply sent kit, a coordinating simply sent stamp set and the punch of your choice. If you'd like more info about the starter kit special, I'd love to talk to you, so just email or call me.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Nature Walk (W121925/C121997)
• Ink: Bashful Blue (105209), Soft Suede (115657) Classic Ink
• Paper: Bashful Blue (105120), Soft Suede (115318), Very Vanilla (101650)
• Accessories: SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430),Marina Mist 3/8 Taffeta Ribbon (119965), Antique Brads (117273), Mini Glue Dots (103683)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Top Note Die (113463), Stampin Sponges (101610)

Step by Step Directions

1. Fold Soft Suede card base in half.
2. Cut Bashful Blue mat to 4 x 5.25
3. Cut Top Note out of Very Vanilla using the Big Shot.
4. Stamp bird cage on mat randomly in Bashful Blue.
5. Stamp images using Bashful Blue and Soft Suede randomly on the Top Note.
6. Sponge edges of Top Note with Soft Suede.
7. Using direct to pad with Bashful Blue, run over top of Top Note.
8. Attach Top Note to Bashful Blue mat using SNAIL. Affix brad through. Attach to card base with SNAIL.
9. Tie bow out of ribbon and attach to the card with Mini Glue Dots.

Nature Walk is part of the Botanical Suite which features realistic, natural designs and a warm muted color palette. It's understated and perfect for cards or scrapbook pages!

To check out more of this suite contact me to schedule a stamping party in your home!

This week's technique features watercoloring with a Blender Pen and Stampin' Write Markers.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes (111618), A Word for You (W117032/C120528)
• Ink: Jet Black Staz-On (101406), Real Red Classic Ink (103133), Real Red (100052), Regal Rose (105108)and Soft Suede (120973) Stampin' Write Markers
• Paper: Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650), Pink Pirouette (105118), Soft Suede (115318), Real Red (102482), Watercolor Paper (105019)
• Accessories: Pretty in Pink 1 ¼ Striped Grosgrain (119775), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023), 2-Way Glue Pen (100425), Blender Pens (102845)
• Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Paper Snips (103579)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Real Red
  • 8.5 x 5.5
• Very Vanilla
  • 4.25 x 5.5 piece for embossed piece
  • Scrap for stamped and punched greeting
• Pink Pirouette
  • 2.5 x 3.5 Mat for image
  • Scrap for frame for greeting
• Soft Suede
  • 2.25 x 3.25 Mat for image
• Watercolor Paper
  • 2 x 3

Technique Directions

1. Stamp image with Staz-On and then add "spots" of color as desired on image with markers.
2. Move ink around on paper using blender pen to shade as desired.

Notes:

• Using a marker with a blender pen gives you a more vibrant look than with other watercoloring techniques. It also offers more control with smaller images than using the Aquapainter with the markers to color.
• To successfully use markers with blender pens, you must use Staz-On to ensure it is waterproof, and watercolor paper to ensure the paper doesn't pill.

Finishing Touches

1. Take card base and fold in half.
2. Run Very Vanilla mat through Big Shot with Polkadot Embossing folder and then attach to card base with SNAIL.
3. Attach stamped image to Soft Suede and Pink Pirouette pieces with SNAIL.
4. Fold small piece of ribbon and attach to back of stamped panel using SNAIL. Attach to entire card base with SNAIL.
5. Stamp greeting in Real Red on Very Vanilla and then punch out with Decorative Label Punch.
6. Punch a Decorative Label out of Pink Pirouette. Cut in half and trim off points on smaller side and then attach to back of stamped greeting with SNAIL. Attach to card base with Stampin Dimensionals.
7. Add glitter to cupcakes using 2-way Glue Pen.
   

Get out your open line art images and give watercoloring with your blender pen and markers a try. There's lots of ways to watercolor and I'd be happy to share them with you and you can learn which ones you like best! Contact me to arrange a private class with your friends this fall.

**To sign up for the 12 Weeks of Christmas emails – exclusive emails with Christmas projects sent right to your inbox- click here…you don't want to miss it!!**

For Thanksgiving, we were invited to have dinner with some of our neighbours. We really have moved onto such a wonderful street with fabulous neighbours. We live on a cul-de-sac in a new development and most of our neighbours have younger family's. There's over 20 kids on our street and such a sense of community. So, our neighbour Amanda invited us to enjoy dinner with her family. We really had a wonderful time and were so thankful to have been asked. Thanks Amanda!

There's so many great stamp sets in this year's Holiday Mini catalogue, but one of the absolutely most versatile sets is Day of Gratitude (W120835/C121148). While it has a fall-like theme, it can easily be used for other projects, particularly the medallion image. Here it's been put to work on a simple thanksgiving card which features rock and roll technique and some embossing.

Step by Step Directions

1. Cut paper as follows:
   1. Early Espresso card base to 5.5 x 8.5
   2. Very Vanilla mat for stamped images to 4 x 5.25
   3. Extra piece of Very Vanilla for punched greeting and acorn
2. Fold card base in half and make crisp line with bone folder.
3. Stamp images using Rock and Roll Technique. The key with this technique is to use two close colors and ink up the stamp with the lighter color and then roll the edges in the darker color. Stamp the medallion in So Saffron and More Mustard, single leaf in Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze and branch of leaves in Cherry Cobbler and Riding Hood Red.
4. Run stamped panel through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice embossing folder. Ink edges with Early Espresso and Cajun Craze.
5. Attach Cherry Cobbler seam binding to stamped piece using SNAIL and attach to card base using SNAIL.
6. Stamp greeting in Early Espresso and punch out with 2 1/2 Circle Punch. Affix to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.
7. Using markers color the acorn with Early Espresso and Cajun Craze and cut out with paper snips. Attach with half of a Stampin' Dimensional.

  Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Day of Gratitude (W120835/C121148), Seasonal Sentiments (W120821/C121130)
• Ink: Riding Hood Red (111836), Cherry Cobbler (119669), Pumpkin Pie (105216), Cajun Craze (119671), Early Espresso (119670), So Saffron (105213), More Mustard (103162)Classic , Cajun Craze Stampin Write Marker (119768), Early Espresso Stampin Write Marker (119680)
• Paper: Very Vanilla (101650), Early Espresso (119868)
• Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System(113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), 2 1/2 Circle Punch (120906)