Upline Meeting

Sandy Hancock's Meeting

Spaghetti Factory, Duarte, CA

My upline-upline (Sandy Hancock) had a fantastic meeting today, and it was full of great marketing ideas!. Laura Weed shared a PIRATE's TREASURES full of ideas..and she's fun to hear!

We had Demonstrations by Barbara Jackson who did a great job of displaying ideas for the Wrapping Papers! OOH, it is beautiful papers, and you really should check them out! They are only available in the Holiday Mini catalog.

And we had another demonstration by Pat, (who I can't think of her last name..Chastain?) and she had some wonderful samples!

This is a Pringles can decorated, along with some die cut boxes....

she had gift ideas using candles and other items..very cutely displayed!

THEN, there was Richard and Gabby's display of great artistic use of chipboard and other ideas for a Great Holiday Decor!

Wouldn't you love to have these items displayed in your house? well, maybe not all, but it was really cleverly and colorfully done!

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Simply Sent Kits and World Card Making Day

Simply Sent Kits (<---click here) The Kits will be 20% off... Kit Item # Price 20% Happy Day 109230 54.95 43.95 Happy Thoughts 109231 54.95 43.95 Friendship Shapes 107415 42.95 34.36 Three Thoughts 109229 42.95 34.36 Simple Delights 109228 42.95 34.36 All the Kits come with Stampin' Ink Spots, cut Cardstock, Cut ribbons, brads, accessories, and everything except adhesive to make cards! This promotion is only good from October 4-8. SO, HURRY to Order your Kit and Don't miss this special! Please make sure that YOU tell me you want to order this for the DISCOUNT! My class for World Card Making Day is on Saturday October 6th. Please check my yahoo group calendar for the times posted! Go to Step In Faith Stampers (<---click on it!) for more details! All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Card Making Kits....the ULTIMATE!

These Kits are the ULTIMATE Card Kits! They will be 20% off for a limited time in October!

This is 3 of the kits available, and I purchased them so we can make some cool cards!

The Idea is that you will make a variety of cards, and with this, you can actually take these and just make cards, with very little added!

All you would need is adhesive, some scissors (maybe) and imagination and time....

But...basically, all the pieces are already cut! They each have an idea book which discloses all the pieces and layouts for 3 variations in color and details.

The kit includes (3) Stampin' Spots, and ribbons, brads, accessories, cut cardstock and chipboard, adhesive diecuts and PRE-CUT stamp sets!

Wow! can it get any better?

If you have a serious stamper on your Holiday list....this is a great kit for you to give them a wonderful kit, idea book and beautiful cards almost ready to make and assemble!

Make a date with me and plan to spend some time Stamping on October 6th-8th......

email me and come over to make cards on National Card Making Day.

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Chipboard and Wood Blocks in Designer Papers

These Cubes are from BE (Bare Elements) Available on the Internet and also at Michaels. I covered them using Modge Podge, and the Double sided Designer Decorative Papers. I covered all 6 sides of the cubes, and then I inked up the Chipboard Letters using the Craft ink pads in Handsome Hunter, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke and White CRAFT Ink. The snowflake is also glittered up using the Dazzling Diamonds and then I punched the center of the snowflake and added the Ice circle Rhinestone Brad!.....

We're not really ready for WINTER yet!....but, I think it made me feel more festive!

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Holiday Glitz Starts October 1st!

Holiday Glitz

October 1 until supplies run out!
You can take advantage of this fantastic kit two different ways:
Purchase one of holiday stamp sets (below) and get the Holiday Glitz card kit (110286) for the special price of $24.95 each, or
Purchase the Holiday Glitz card kit (110286) for $28.95 each with no additional purchase required.
Each Holiday Glitz card kit makes 15 cards and includes:
Precut card stock and Designer Series paper (15)
Whisper White Envelopes (15)
Rhinestone brads (15)
Real Red zigzag ribbon (15)
Full-color instruction sheet (1)


Item Page # Stamp Set Price
109234 45 Snowfall $23.95
106786 36 The Snowflake Spot $20.95
109266 35 Big on Christmas $18.95
110359 5* Love & Joy $23.95

You can make your HOLIDAY Cards at this special price and not have to buy bits and pieces...this will have it all ready for you to make your cards!!! Contact me by October 1st to get ready for this DEAL!!!!

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Criss Cross Card

This is from Splitcoaststampers, and I just copied their links and pasted it to my blog...I did one...you can see it here...., which I think is so cute...!! You will have to try it!

If you don't want to send just any old card, try a Criss Cross Card, a fun twist on the pocket concept. The crossover front design masterminded by Michelle Wooderson provides a unique way to share party details, a baby's stats, or a special sentiment. Beate's showcases both sides of pretty patterned paper. Follow her tutorial, add your own touches, then upload yours to the gallery!

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Coloring your images

Have you ever wondered how they get those wonderful pencils to blend?

There is a trick that you can use that will smooth out your pencil lines with no liquid, no paint, ...just pencils....

Yes, You can get expensive pens...Copic pens are wonderful, but who can afford to buy a set for over 150.00?....You can use color pencils to achieve a nice look, different than just regular markers, and still be under a nice budget

I stamp the image in Basic Black.

I use Prisma color pencils. I have a small set (about 48) and then I have added in a few extra colors, and then you need to get a BLENDER Pencil.

First, I color in around the edges. I shade and lighten the color as I go to the center, leaving the edges darker. I also darken the areas where I think it should be darker, without shading too much


After doing that, i use the blender pencil (which you can get at MICHAELS) to smooth the coloring lines out

The pencil is waxy and will blend your messiest strokes, and smooth and move the color to the lighter areas....

When it is done, it looks really smooth and nicely blended!

For this card, I am stamping the cut frame, to make a slider card. I decorated the outside using the stars from the Halloween set

I colored in the stars in different shades of yellow, ochre, and neon yellow.

I assembled the card, putting the pull tab though the slot.

The slider slides down, and you will see your magic card!

Haunting Halloween......"Witching you...." " A Happy Halloween"
Well, I am getting ready for Halloween...even if I don't celebrate it as a "holiday", it is still a fun card to make!

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Christmas Holiday Planner

Planning for the Holidays is never easy....
But, I found this planner on splitcoaststampers, and I really loved the idea!

I folded a plain white folder that you can get at STAPLES.com right now for .10, and covered it with the papers from the Holiday Simply Scrappin' Kit that is 19.95. You also get 6 sheets of die cut adhesive 'stickers' to embellish.

This is actually left over from the bamboo spine book.

I also cut a long legal pad for the notes, that you need to make to shop for recipes, etc...and I am also going to put in some other things...what do you think? The Pink pad with the red snowflake is for a shopping list...for your favorite people on your list...


I know you probably think I haven't been stamping...I have been, but it has been quickie notes and off to the post office I go....

I have a few things in the works....this was one I was excited to post....I have another one that I have the cover done, but still have to get the inside stuff....

For that one, You can make it into a party planner, or a event planner...like a shower, or birthday party, anniversary party...or just for fun for a new mom...maybe make a book for those emergency numbers, and lists of things to do......

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

*The shopping planner was from SplitCoaststampers and from Jan Tink. http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com/stamps_paper_scissors/

Fall fReNzY Continues

Fall Frenzy Promotion
Spend $30 in regular priced merchandise and qualify to purchase one of each of the six promotional stamp sets at 30 percent off!
Item Page # Description Discounted Price
105355 26 Bitty Boos Too $12.57
109284 29 Haunting Halloween $13.27
107383 30Thoroughly Thankful $16.07
109373 108 Autumn Fest $16.77
109421 91Elementary Essentials $19.57
110366 17 Stem Silhouettes* $22.37
*Holiday Mini Collection 2007 page 17
Orders may be placed on a demonstrator, customer, and workshop order.

*"One of our promotional sets is a definite must-have this month. Stem Silhouettes is a brand new set and is featured in our new Holiday Mini catalog. This, month not only do you get this versatile, all-season set at a discount, but it comes die cut so you'll be stamping minutes after receiving it!" You can see Color Flyer for more details!

And to make matters even more JUICY....from October 4-8, you can purchase any Simply Sent card kit for 20 percent off the regular price!!!!

Simply Sent Kits (page 12-14) are a great way to make cards with very little preparation. All you do is open up the wonderful box and you can have cards made...the stamps are die cut and peel & stick, and then all the pieces of cardstock are pre-cut. There is ribbon and embellishments and you have instructions to make cards, and ink spots (colors vary) are included! There are 6 kits available!

Visit the Official World Card Making Day web site to see more details on this WORLD WIDE
Promtion! Get your family together and do
something with your family...for World Peace (or at least an afternoon of spending time together)

All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Patriot's Day

Just wanted to have a reflection on this day...that 6 years ago, we all had a focus on America, and how close our freedom was compromised.

We also need to remember the troops serving overseas....

if you feel the need, and I think we all should...send a card to a soldier

you can send a card to:
Attention: Holidays for Heroes, Soldiers' Angels, 914 Tourmaline Dr, Newbury Park CA 91320
I wanted to pass this along to anyone who is planning on sending in cards. They need to be in to her by Oct 31 for inclusion in the gift mugs and bags being sent to the soldiers. She also asks that each card be signed and include a positive message. You can address your card to "Dear Soldier" if you want. They can be put in envelopes, but leave the envelopes unsealed.

Let's get together on October 6th to make cards on the World Cardmaking day, and also make a few to send to the soldiers!


All Stamps by Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. Images are inspired by Dianne Shiozaki, unless otherwise noted.

Getting FRESH with Ideas.....

I had a coupon to Borders...
If you are a member of Borders club (it is free) they send you emails for coupons for discounts off books...

I got this book this weekend....I was laughing too hard with this one...It is all stamped and scrapbook type cards, and using the SASSIEST sayings I have ever heard!

I think I blushed on a few of them, but they had me dying..!!!

The colors were fresh, and the styles were very hip and up to date.......and I think that you can find some use for making some fun cards, and using the PRICELESS stamp...can you visualize it on the front of the book?? I think if you used that stamp set and designer papers, you could make a card just like this one!



Well, to give you an example of the sassy sentiments in this book, I scanned the book...shhh..sorry, don't mean to infringe on copyright, but, it is funny.....

It has on the outside, a library file, and says...

"SICK OF YOUR JOB?"


you pull out the inside card, and it says...

"don't worry....you're getting fired soon anyway!"


ok, it isn't that funny, but...you get the idea of the sassy sayings...

and the ideas for the cards, sans the sassy sayings are really nice, with colorful photos and good ideas.....

look for this book....and don't worry about laughing..I had a conversation with a lady in the store as I was laughing and we both started chuckling about the book...!!!

Get Real Greetings, edited by Jessica Stawser. Check it out!

Labor Day 2007

Labor day...

well, today is a hot hot day in September..and school starts in 2 days! Is my daughter excited??? NOOOOoooooo! but, life comes at you fast! Isn't that what the commercial says?

Anyways...What the contest winner for the September comments wins is ......Embellished clips! I made a few of these paperclip decorated embellishments! I think they came out cute and will look lovely on your cards that you make. You will also receive some gift cards with envelopes! AND.. YES...you're not imagining..this is for Christmas! Someone told me yesterday that it is only 3 months away...well, maybe a little more than..but, it is coming....!!!

Again...Life comes at you FAST!

Congratulations to the AUGUST Winner!

The Winner of August comments is:

Cindy Barraza!

This month(August), I have a composition book which has 5 tabs and pockets inside. It also comes with 6 cards, that have no sentiments on it, so that she can personalize it any way she wants!

I have to confess, I did NOT use Stampin' Up! paper for this contest...I found this lovely paper that all coordinates by Dream Street Papers, (http://www.dreamstreetpapers.com/) This series is called Near & Dear by Kelly Shults. I think it is absolutely adorable, and although I did combine it with Stampin' Up!'s Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue cardstock and Carte Postale Stamp Set.....I think it is so cute!

The flower chipboard is covered with the paper, and sanded down, and then the punches are the 1 1/4" circle, 1 3/8" circle and the scallop circle complimenting the Carte Postale image. This also comes with pockets inside each divided section for papers, notes etc.....and the note cards come with envelopes!

It absolutely can be adapted for any of the WONDERFUL Papers that Stampin' Up! carries and even though this is not......forgive me!

Congratulations Cindy!

Fall FReNzY Promotion!

Fall Frenzy Promotion
Spend $30 in regular priced merchandise and qualify to purchase one of each of the six promotional stamp sets at 30 percent off!
Item Page # Description Discounted Price
105355 26 Bitty Boos Too $12.57
109284 29 Haunting Halloween $13.27
107383 30Thoroughly Thankful $16.07
109373 108 Autumn Fest $16.77
109421 91Elementary Essentials $19.57
110366 17 Stem Silhouettes* $22.37
*Holiday Mini Collection 2007 page 17

Orders may be placed on a demonstrator, customer, and workshop order.

*"One of our promotional sets is a definite must-have this month. Stem Silhouettes is a brand new set and is featured in our new Holiday Mini catalog. This, month not only do you get this versatile, all-season set at a discount, but it comes die cut so you'll be stamping minutes after receiving it!" You can see Color Flyer for more details!

And to make matters even more JUICY....from October 4-8, you can purchase any Simply Sent card kit for 20 percent off the regular price!!!!

Simply Sent Kits (page 12-14) are a great way to make cards with very little preparation. All you do is open up the wonderful box and you can have cards made...the stamps are die cut and peel & stick, and then all the pieces of cardstock are pre-cut. There is ribbon and embellishments and you have instructions to make cards, and ink spots (colors vary) are included! There are 6 kits available!

Visit the Official World Card Making Day web site to see more details on this WORLD WIDE

Promtion! Get your family together and do

something with your family...for World Peace (or at least an afternoon of spending time together)

and later today..I will announce the winner of the blog comments!

stay tuned...!!!