Sizzix Product Line

I've had my Stampin' Up! Big Shot Sizzix machine for about a week now and I'm in love! Some of you have even had a chance to play with it -- but don't worry it you haven't, the next time you're here, you just have to play with it -- I insist!!! I know that you'll enjoy it as much as I do! I now have a complete listing of the Sizzix Product Line which you can view where you see everything that Stampin' Up! carries. The best way to get this wonderful product is to purchase the Special Edition Starter Kit -- check this out!!!

Special Edition Starter Kit
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine and Multipurpose Platform ($99.95)
Standard Cutting Pads ($8.95)
Scallop Envelope Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Bigz Die ($21.95)
Top Note Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Bigz Die ($21.95)
Birds & Blooms Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Sizzlits 4-Pack ($21.95)
Join in the Cheer Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip ($21.95)
Decorative Strip Cutting Pads ($7.95)
Extended Spacer Platform ($9.95)

If purchased separately, these items would cost $214.60. Stampin’ Up! is offering this Special Edition Starter Kit for only $195.95, a savings of $18.65. Also, this is a perfect time to maximize your purchase power!!! Try this by purchasing the following!

Special Edition Starter Kit - $195.95
Premium Crease Pad - $8.95
Merchandise Total - $204.90

Now, you can select a Level 1 hostess set and get $20.00 of FREE merchandise!!! Hey, you could get the Tulipe Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Bigz Die for only $1.95 by using your FREE merchandise credit!

This product line will be in the Holiday Mini catalog that you should receive toward the end of September if you are on my mailing list. If you would like to see this before then, please email me and I will email the Sizzix brochure to you! Also, let me know if you have any questions!!!

3" x 6" Cards

I love to be different! Matter of fact, I sort of thrive on it! Of course, while sometimes different isn't a good thing, most of the time it is! That is one of the reasons I love to make 3" x 6" size cards -- because they are different! So, I had a workshop on Saturday and we did two 3" x 6" cards that I wanted to share with you!

I think this card is so cute!!! Of course, I just love frogs (only on cards though) and this one in no exception! I utilized two of the new In Colors - Pacific Point and Kiwi Kiss. They really do compliment each other for sure! I stamped the image onto watercolor paper using Stazon Jet Black. I always use Stazon Jet Black ink when I watercolor - it's awesome! For my watercolor technique, I used a blender pen and ink pads. Do you know how to do this? Easy!!! With your stamp pad closed, "smoosh" the top and the bottom of the pad together, then open the pad. You will see a puddle of ink on the stamp pad top. Put the tip of your blender pen into the ink and color your image!!! If you want your color darker, just go over it again! The frog and stems and leaf of the flowers are Kiwi Kiss. For the flower, I used Tangerine Tango for the petals and then Riding Hood Red for the inside, pulling it out a bit on the petals. The water can is Going Gray. I also added some Crystal Effects for the center of the flowers!



Now, here is an absolute favorite of mine and is done with Baja Breeze and Whisper White only!!! Again, I used a 3" x 6" card and created a nice scalloped edge on the front using the Scallop Edge Punch -- sure makes it easy to do! For the flower, I stamped the image twice and cut them out. Oh, yes, it is the Eastern Blooms stamp set (which is on sale for $18.66 through September 30!!). I layered one flower on top of the other, staggering them a bit, and using a dimensional. Check out the button on the top! If you haven't checked out the Designer Button Bouquet on pg. 187, do it right now! They coordinate with our new line of In Colors and are breathtaking! In the middle of the flower, I punched out a piece of Whisper White cardstock with my 1/4" circle punch and adhered it to the middle of the button. Then I applied some Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue and dipped it into Dazzling Diamonds Glitter for just a perfect hint of sparkle!!!! This floral embellisment would also look beautiful on a scrapbook page, wedding announcement, oh gosh, the possibilities are endless. And, notice on the inside of the card I stamped a top edge to give it a little more pizzaz!!! I love the soft elegant look of Baja Breeze!!! But, I'll share with you a word of caution -- when you stamp your image with the Baja Breeze inkpad, it is a bit darker!! Don't fret though, because it dries to the perfect shade. It certainly did give me a bit of a scare when I first set out to create this card!!!

Also, Stampin' Up! carries Small Open-End Envelopes for mailing these cards. You can get them in Whisper White, Very Vanilla or Kraft. You get 20 in a package and they sell for $7.50. Now, and this is one of the best things, you don't need any extra postage for this size card -- it meets postal regulations!!! (Of course, if the envelope is real thick, you will have to add extra postage!)

So, I hope these cards have inspired you today to be a little different -- it's okay!!! Have fun!

Holiday Mini

Good morning to you all!!! I have a story to share with you!!

My cat, Reba, was walking all over me around 5:00 a.m., her morning ritual, begging to get some chow!!! So, since today is my day off from my job at the law firm, I begrudgingly get up and feed her. Since I'm up, I find my way to the computer and decide to take a quick check of my email -- and then head back for some more sleep. Ah ha -- the new Holiday Mini is posted for demonstrators! I decide to take a peek! This was a mistake -- because I couldn't get back to sleep!!!! The new Holiday Mini is unbelievably awesome!!! As a demonstrator, we get to preview catalogs and certain merchandise prior to it being released to our customers, another great reason why I'm a demonstrator!! There is not ONE thing is the Holiday Mini that I don't want! It features our Sizzix product line, new stamp sets, new designer series paper . . . wait, everything's new so I won't say that anymore! There is a Create-A-Calendar '09 Kit, Ornament Making Kit, Decor Decals that are snowflakes, awesome ribbon, felt snowflakes in Riding Hood Red and Baja Breeze, rub-ons!!! The Holiday Mini even covers all the upcoming holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's Day.

The Holiday Mini will probably start mailing out the middle of September and the sales period will be from October 1, 2008 through January 18, 2009. Okay, I know I've said this before, but with the $99 Starter Kit promotion, it is the perfect time to sign up -- because you can get all these products for a minimum of 20% off -- plus, on a demonstrator's first order of $150 or more within 45 days -- you get 30% off!!! What an absolutely unbelievable savings!!!! Oh, and did I mention that as a demonstrator, you can order from the Holiday Mini on September 1!

Keep your eyes peeled for the Holiday Mini in September!!!

A New Addition

We have a new member of our family! Well, actually he's a playmate for Mowgli! His name is Marley and he's absolutely adorable!!! For those of you that don't know, my son has moved and since Mowgli is technically his cat, Mowgli went with Kirk. Boy, it was harder seeing Mowgli leave than Kirk -- hum, what's up with that!? Anyway, you just can't have one cat, so we now have added Marley. Despite an upper respiratory infection that Marley had (which is almost gone, but he was kind enough to share it with Mowgli), he's doing great. He and Mowgli are getting along much better than Mowgli did with Mia and Reba at our house. Now, I have the perfect reason to go "check up" on Kirk every day -- I want to see Marley and Mowgli!

As you can see, Mowgli as settled into his new home!! Can't you tell, he's the boss of his new home!!

Mowgli certainly was missed at the Stamp, Play and Create workshop this past weekend, but for those of you who were here, Reba was back to herself and was the center of attention!!! Rest assured, I'm sure Mowgli missed everyone too!!!!

Inspired by Nature to Give Gifts

Two weeks ago I was in Salt Lake City!!! I swear, I can't believe it's been two weeks already!!!! I'm still tired and finally getting over my cold. But you know, the excitement that I had at the end of Convention, despite severe sleep deprivation, is still in full gear! Matter of fact, I just can't get enough time to stamp! Hey, wait, that's every day, now isn't it!!!

As I go through my piles and put things away, I did uncover my unfinished Make and Take projects from convention. Oh yes, I'm sad to say that I missed one of the Make and Take Sessions!!! How did I do that? I'm sure this won't come as a surprise to you, but Vicki and I were gabbing to another demonstrator after breakfast. Beverly and Robin had already gone back to the room. As we check the time and know we are running late, Vicki and I storm into the room, grab our bags and head out the door with Beverly and Robin. We get on the Trax (rail transportation system) and I look down and discover I forgot my name badge! This is a travesty as I can not get into any events at Convention without it! As I blurt out I have to go back to the room, Vicki also looks down and discovers she has forgotten hers too!!! So, Vicki and I get off at the next stop and go back to the room, while Beverly and Robin head on to do the Make and Takes! You can guess that Robin and Beverly were the good girls at Convention!!! By the time Vicki and I made it back to the Convention Center, it was too late to start our Make and Takes! Fortunately, I had everything I needed once I got home to complete them.

This picture is the Gift Bag that was made using the Inspired by Nature stamp set, along with one of the new In Colors -- Tangerine Tango! Isn't this bag lovely!!! Who wouldn't want to get a gift in something this beautiful! Oh and did you check out the bow?? That was so absolutely easy that anyone, and I mean anyone, can create a bow to look exactly like this!!!! For the tag, I used a 3" x 3" note card and stamped on the front. Then you punch a hole in the upper left corner and make a cut from the corner of the cardstock to the hole, which creates the way to adhere the tag to the bag handle. Did you recognize the new Patterns Designer Series Paper? It comes in 14 different colors, including all six of the new In Colors. Remember, the new In Colors will be around until August 2009 -- they will not be replaced when the January 2009 Spring-Summer Idea Book and Catalog comes out. I love the patterns on each page of the new Patterns Designers Series Paper (and I bet you do too!)

As I continue to uncover all kinds of goodies, I hope to be able to share them with you. I've missed being able to post frequently on my blog, but think that life is settling down a tad and I can get back to .. well "Phyllis normal".


Thanks for checking out my blog and hope you find time to stamp today!

Home at Last!

Even though it is Wednesday, I feel as if I just got home! I still have not recouped from the excitement and shear exhaustion of convention, but wanted to share with you a few things while I'm still awake! Actually, my voice has finally given out on me today, so in order to be heard, I must type! ha ha!!!!

This year, I had three of my downline attending Convention with me: Robin Wilbur, Vicki Schulz and Beverly Bilger. This was Beverly's first convention and we enjoyed showing her the ropes! This year, Stampin' Up! went back to a one session convention and Robin and Vicki had not experienced that before! There were so many people, it was unbelievable. The first morning we walked into the convention center, you could actually hear the roar of 1000's of women! Most men would think this would be a nightmare, but for me, it was music to my ears! We scurried down to The Gathering Place so we could pick up our bags and get our new catalog. My wonderful downline immediately went to the line for Memento Mall, while I sat and devoured every single page in the catalog! Are you wondering just what in the heck is Memento Mall? It is a place where they sell logo items for Stampin' Up! demonstrators! You know, we just love to buy things, especially if they have that awesome logo on them because we know its a great product! We ended up waiting 2-1/2 hours to get in and in less than 30 minutes, we were substantially poorer, but filled with riches in our arms!!!!

We also went to visit the Stampin' Up! headquarters in Riverton, Utah, where we showed Beverly the picking line, where our orders are packaged and shipped, as well as the offices. The facility is absolutely beautiful and I certainly wish that Stampin' Up! had a distribution center on the East Coast because I would love to work there!!!! In the Creativity Room, we had someone take our picture -- don't we look happy!!!! We were on a natural high for sure!!!

As we went to the General Sessions, which we had each day, we continually were fed with information, techniques and surprises!!! First of all, Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s co-founder and CEO, is starting her own blog! You can find it at http://www.soshelli.com/! Be sure to visit and bookmark this as a favorite! I'm sure her energy, enthusiam and, well, her many outstanding qualities, will show through in her blog. She's genuine and everytime I listen to her talk, I realize how great her passion for stamping and creating really is! It's hard not to be inspired by her!

We also were thrilled at the announcement that Stampin' Up! has partnered with Sizzix and will be carrying the Big Shot, exclusive Stampin' Up! dies and other Sizzix dies! We were all "die-ing" to get our fingers on this machine and dies! Don't worry -- mine will be here next week as convention attendees were able to purchase the goods!!! Isn't it beautiful!!! You won't believe how many things you can create with this machine ... and it cuts through over 50 materials!!!!

Shelli even wore an apron that was created using the Big Shot, Stampin' Up! exclusive dies and fabric. Hum, let me see if I can find a picture of the apron . . . looking . . . . looking . . . . looking .. ah ha! I FOUND IT! Isn't it gorgeous!!! We were all dumbfounded when she said it was created using the Big Shot and dies!

Another announcement was Phrase Two of the Decor Elements product line. Stampin' Up! will be offering the vinyl in different colors and they showed us how to layer them on top of one another for a dimensional look!!!! Check out this flower!!!! Isn't that gorgeous! Can't you just picture that on a wall -- oh wait. This picture is of the flower on a wall! What was I thinking!!!!

During the last General Session, we were definitely provided with a treat -- by UPS!!! Yes, there was an actual UPS man who had a package in his hand. He came on the stage to Shelli and said he needed some help in delivering the package! When Shelli asked who the package was addressed to -- he said "everybody"! You can't imagine the excitement that filled the convention center. Oh, what was in the package you ask? A new stamp set called Say It With Scallops. This is also the new Ronald McDonald set and $2.00 from each set goes to the Ronald McDonald House Charities! Oh goodness, it gets even better! We then found out that UPS purchased these stamp sets for the demonstrators. I think all demonstrators have a truly admirable (for lack of a better or incriminating word) relationship with their UPS delivery person and now it is even more. So remember, support UPS!! We love them -- they bring us stamps and also contributed to this worthwhile charity!!!!

Can you tell that I can go on forever!!! But, the time has come for me to slumber. All this excitment is wearing me out!!!! Oh, speaking of excitment -- my August Stamp, Play and Create session is this weekend! We'll be using new products and stamp sets and ordering from the new Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog! There are still spots available so email me if you would like to attend!!

And ... I apologize in advance for any typos .. he he!!!!! My eyes are getting very very heavy!!!

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Boy, is this post going to blow you away!!! Stampin' Up! is offering numerous promotions to help you get those "I need" items from the new Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog. Listed below are the promotions and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me!


1. THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY


Dates: August 11, 2008 through October 11, 2008

You will have the option of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator by purchasing one of three special mini Starter Kits* priced at $99. There are three kits and they contain the following:

Stamp-Focused Starter Kit:
109515 - Fun & Fast Notes stamp set - $30.95
105548 - Bold Brights card stock assortment (8-1/2" x 11") - $7.95
101179 - Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad - $5.25
104332 - SNAIL Adhesive - $6.95
100730 - Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") - $7.50

Scrapbook-Focused Starter Kit:
111570 - Contempo Alphabet stamp set - $40.95
113059 - Simply Scrappin' Petal Party - $19.95
105212 - Pixie Pink Classic Stampin' Pad - $5.25

Home Décor-Focused Starter Kit:
111656 - Inspired by Nature stamp set - $23.95
114088 - Décor Elements Chocolate Classic Ff - $3.95
114126 - Décor Elements Medium Chocolate Long Stem Silhouettes - $17.95
114285 - Décor Elements Applicator - $1.95
111835 - Kiwi Kiss Classic Stampin' Pad - $5.25

*Each kit also includes the same business supplies that are found in the standard Starter Kit (the Home Décor-Focused Starter Kit also includes 25 Décor Elements brochures). While all items in the Starter Kits are recommended, a new demonstrator may substitute a like item of equal or lesser value.


Remember you can always purchase the standard Starter Kit for $199 if the above options do not appeal to you.


Now, take a second to think about this because if you are currently purchasing $95.50 a month including shipping, handling and tax, or have a friend that will purchase from you, it is simple to meet the quarterly quota of $300.00 in sales. You don't have to have shows, but a great way to meet your quota is to have people over to your house to stamp! Who doesn't love a chance to socialize and use the awesome products Stampin' Up! has to offer!! Again, please let me know if you have any questions -- the benefits of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator will astound you!



2. FALL-WINTER SAMPLER PROMOTIONS


Dates for New Recruit Incentive: August 11-October 11, 2008

Join as a demonstrator with the standard $199 Starter Kit and choose one stamp set out of the Fall-Winter Sampler or Idea Book & Catalog for free.

Dates for Hostess Incentive: October 1-November 30, 2008

Host a $350 workshop and choose one stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler for free.


111564 - Flight of the Butterfly - $31.95
112911 - Vuelo de la mariposa (Spanish Flight of the Butterfly) - $31.95
111676 - Puns from the Past - $27.95
111660 - Just Jawing - $25.95
111624 - Dreams du Jour - $18.95
111700 - Thank You Kindly - $13.95
111714 - Wow Flowers - $12.95
112955 - Flores llamativas (Spanish Wow Flowers) - $12.95

Dates for Product Offer: December 1, 2008-January18, 2009

Spend $20 and get 20 percent off any stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler.


111564 - Flight of the Butterfly - $31.95 (sale price: $25.56)
112911 Vuelo de la mariposa (Spanish Flight of the Butterfly) - $31.95 (sale price $25.56)
111676 - Puns from the Past - $27.95 (sale price: $22.36)
111660 - Just Jawing - $25.95 (sale price: $20.76)
111624 - Dreams du Juor - $18.95 (sale price: $15.16)
111700 - Thank You Kindly - $13.95 (sale price: $11.16)
111714 - Wow Flowers - $12.95 (sale price: $10.36)
112955 - Flores llamativas (Spanish Wow Flowers) - $12.95 (sale price: $10.36).

Now, just think -- if you were a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you would get 35% off these sets!! Woo hoo!!!

Again, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me! I know there is a lot to digest here and you might want to print it out so you can read all the scoop!

Thanks so much!!!!

Sadly, Convention is Over

I'm sad to say that Convention 2008 is over and we have another year to go before gathering again! Today was another spectacular day wherein we received a free stamp set, which is the Ronald McDonald set called Say it with Scallops! And, believe it or not, I actually won a door prize where I received the Pina Colada Simply Scrappin Kit and the Calendar Alphabet and Numbers! It is the first time that I've ever won a door prize at a Stampin' Up! convention! Woo hooooo!!!!! I have so many ideas floating around in my head, that my head is spinning. I hope it stops so I can get some sleep on the flight tonight! Again, I look forward to sharing with you all everything we learned -- hopefully I can remember it all!

See you soon and wish me a safe flight and drive back from Richmond tomorrow!!!!!!

Convention Day 2

As we are getting ready for Day 3, our final day, I thought I would take a second to update you on the exciting news from yesterday that Stampin' Up! is partnering with Sizzix to offer you another awesome element to your stamping world! They are offering the Big Shot and exclusive Stampin' Up! dies to compliment the numerous dies that Sizzix offers. All those who have come to classes at my home know that I have been a fan of Sizzix for years!!! I would have updated my blog last night, but we all had to place our orders as convention attendees could order the Big Shot and exclusive dies now!! Of course, I just had to have them and I'm sure you will too!! You will be able to purchase these products in September and I guarantee we'll be using some of these items at the September Stamp, Play and Create!!!

We also did half of our make and take projects using one of our stamp sets and these projects were "the bomb"!! I will definitely be sharing these projects at upcoming classes/stamp clubs that you certainly won't want to miss.

The last day of convention is always mixed with emotions as we say goodbye to our stampin' sisters, but the energy that we leave with is, well, I just can't explain it! We'll be flying out on the red eye tonight and I'll be sleeping tomorrow .. so I can try to recoup -- ha ha!!! I can't wait to share with you this exciting adventure!!!!

See you soon!